Cory Durden, a defensive tackle who spent the 2023 training camp with the Detroit Lions, was recently waived by the Los Angeles Rams. Durden, who originally joined the NFL as an undrafted free agent from Florida State and North Carolina State, had a brief stint with the Lions before making his way to the Rams.
Last season, he appeared in four games for Los Angeles, contributing 44 snaps on the defensive line and 19 snaps on special teams. Despite making the Rams’ initial 53-man roster, Durden was waived shortly afterward and is now subject to waivers as he looks to find his next opportunity in the NFL.
Interestingly, the Lions and Rams are set to face each other in a wild-card round rematch to kick off the season on Sunday Night Football at Ford Field. The timing of Durden’s release adds a bit of intrigue as both teams prepare for what promises to be a highly competitive opening game. Durden’s future in the NFL remains uncertain, but his release underscores the often fluid nature of NFL rosters, especially as teams finalize their lineups ahead of the season opener.
The Los Angeles Rams are indeed navigating through a period of significant changes as they prepare for the upcoming season. The suspension of one of their starting offensive tackles is a major blow, impacting the protection for quarterback Matthew Stafford, who is crucial to the team’s playoff aspirations. Additionally, trading away linebacker Ernest Jones, known for his tackling prowess, for a relatively small return ahead of Week 1, has raised some eyebrows. Jones was a key defensive player, and his departure leaves a notable gap in the Rams’ defense.
Despite these challenges, the Rams are banking on the return of Matthew Stafford, who is a seasoned veteran with the ability to lead a potent offense. With a healthy Stafford at the helm and an offense that still boasts significant talent, the Rams are aiming to make another deep run into the playoffs. However, the recent roster moves and the loss of key players will test the team’s depth and resilience as they navigate the early part of the season. How well the Rams adapt to these changes will be critical in determining their success in the highly competitive NFC.
