Los Angeles Rams News & Rumors

While there was some contention in regards to the six-game suspension handed down to Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, the NFLPA considers his case a closed issue, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. There was a sliver of hope that the ban may be reduced from six to four games, and Hopkins still believes there may be, but it seems all but certain that he will be out for all six.

With Hopkins out, Arizona’s receiving room will be led by trade acquisition Marquise Brown, veteran A.J. Green, and second-year player Rondale Moore. The depth gets pretty thin behind those three with Andy Isabella, Antoine Wesley, and Greg Dortch on the roster, among a few others. The Cardinals also shopped Isabella earlier this year.

Here are a few other rumors from around the NFC West, starting with a note out of the Bay Area:

• Many have thought that former Dolphins center Jake Brendel will take over for the retired Alex Mack as the 49ers‘ starting center. But, according to Matt Barrows of The Athletic, Daniel Brunskill has been taking all of his snaps at center this summer. This is significant as Brunskill has started the last two seasons for San Francisco at right guard. If Brunskill can fill the hole at center, the real battle on the 49ers offensive line may be for the right guard spot.
• While there’s been some discussion on the intrigue of the cornerback position group in Seattle, there’s even a bit of intrigue among the Seahawks‘ rookies. Despite being drafted in the round after his teammate, rookie cornerback Tariq Woolen out of Texas-San Antonio could likely find himself earning playing time over fellow rookie cornerback Coby Bryant out of Cincinnati, according to Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times. In a mock game that took place the week before the preseason started, Woolen stood out alongside starter Artie Burns as Sidney Jones sat out with a concussion.
• With the departure of Austin Corbett over the offseason, the Rams have been looking for a replacement at right guard. Currently, Coleman Shelton has secured a lead on the position after three years as the team’s backup center, according to Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic. Rookie third-round pick Logan Bruss will get an opportunity to play some snaps in the preseason, but the job is likely Shelton’s to lose.
• Similarly, after releasing longtime punter Johnny Hekker following the team’s Super Bowl LVI victory, Los Angeles has held a punting competition between former Broncos and Giants punter Riley Dixon and undrafted Texas rookie Cameron Dicker. According to Rodrigue, Dixon is far and away expected to win that position battle.