Tutu

Atwell

Atwell posted career highs in receptions (42) and receiving yards (5620 this season but failed to find the end zone. The fourth-year receiver has never fully amounted to the caliber of player the Rams hoped for when they made him the 57th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, and will likely be headed for free agency now that his rookie contract is set to expire at the end of the season. Whether it’s with the Rams or another team in 2025, the 5-foot-9 speedster is unlikely to serve as anything more than a role player in the future.

Atwell’s highlight of the day came on a 22-yard reception in the first half. The diminutive veteran led the Rams in targets, but will likely revert to his WR4 role next week in the Wild Card Round with Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua returning to the LA lineup.

With Demarcus Robinson leaving the game in the second half with a shoulder injury, Atwell was thrust into a larger role and delivered, including a crucial conversion on fourth and five late in the fourth quarter that set up a huge touchdown to extend the Rams’ lead. There is no word yet on the severity of Robinson’s injury, but if he were to miss any time, Atwell would enter the fantasy conversation in deeper leagues as the clear third option in the Rams’ passing attack.

Robinson played Week 13 after there was some question on a potential team suspension after he was arrested for DUI last Monday. Instead, the Rams opted to let league processes play out and he was the team’s No. 3 wide receiver against the Saints. Matthew Stafford connected with Robinson on a 46-yard score in the second half to jump-start the Rams’ passing game en route to victory. He played ahead of Tutu Atwell, who caught both of his targets for 39 yards on the day. Both Atwell and Robinson are touchdown-dependent WR5s for Week 14 against the Bills.

Atwell’s missed connection was a potential 40-yard score that Matthew Stafford overcooked. With Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua both finally back healthy this evening, Atwell immediately, predictably reverted to role player status. He got out-targeted 3-2 by DeMarcus Robinson. Although Kupp and Nacua both have fragile health situations, Atwell can be safely returned to waiver wires.

Atwell remained a featured pass catcher with Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua sidelined but his limited skill set caps his ceiling on non-touchdown days. He is a boom/bust WR3 against the Vikings in Week 8.

Atwell was tied for second in targets on the day in what was a pass-heavy outing for Matthew Stafford and the injury-plagued LA offense. Atwell ran a pass route on 84 percent of Stafford’s drop backs and had a couple near-misses on downfield attempts, including one ball that was intercepted. Atwell will revert to rotational player status if Cooper Kupp or Puka Nacua is able to return to the Rams’ lineup following their Week 6 bye.

Atwell was the Rams’ leading receiver with Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua out. The fourth-year receiver saw plenty of usage on intermediate and deep routes, riding Matthew Stafford’s arm to fantasy relevancy. Atwell will be a FLEX play against the Packers for Week 5.

Sean McVay dialed up a trick play dubbed “the Tutu Train,” in which Atwell completed a 34-yard pass to Demarcus Robinson. The play was ultimately overturned but would have placed the Rams inside the 49ers’ 10-yard line. Atwell operated as the team’s de facto No. 1 pass catcher with Cooper Kupp (ankle) and Puka Nacua (injured reserve) sidelined. Atwell is a volatile flex option against the Bears in Week 4.

Kupp was the Rams’ top wideout, as expected, in the first half. He injured his ankle towards the end of the half, limping to the locker room and not returning in a blowout loss. When in the game, Kupp’s usage was the standard slants and schemed touches he usually sees, but his ankle injury is one to monitor as he was seen in a walking boot after the game. Tutu Atwell caught his first three passes of the season for 48 yards after Kupp’s exit, while rookie Jordan Whittington caught two passes for 22 yards. Heading into Week 3 against the 49ers, Kupp’s health will be the main question for a Rams offense that did not get much going in Week 2.