Rams undrafted back Dean Connors argues for a roster spot during cutdown weekend

The Los Angeles Rams are in the middle of NFL roster cutdown weekend decisions, and one name to watch is undrafted free agent running back Dean Connors. In a detailed piece from Yahoo Sports, Connors was described as someone who has “given the Rams all they can handle” in the team’s ongoing effort to finalize a running backs group that can handle the preseason-to-regular-season transition.

For context, cutdown day is where NFL teams sort through multiple categories at once, including special teams value, pass protection, route awareness, and how well players handle the speed and detail of professional practice. For running backs in particular, the evaluation often comes down to whether a player can do more than one job, especially if a roster is being built for depth at multiple skill sets rather than only one obvious role.

Yahoo Sports’ account frames Connors as a player who has created consistent problems for coaches and roster planners. That matters because undrafted players are typically given fewer margin-of-error reps than drafted prospects or players already known to have secure roles. When a coach repeatedly has to account for an undrafted back during a crowded competition, it can shift how the final depth chart takes shape.

The story also underscores how “making a case” is not just about showing up physically. For a running back fighting for one of the remaining spots, the standard professional bar usually includes reliability on assignments, calm decision-making in tight spaces, and the ability to translate training-camp reps into game-like urgency. Connors’ push, as described by Yahoo Sports, suggests he has been more than a cameo contributor in the Rams’ evaluation process.

Still, because this report is a news write-up rather than an official Rams roster transaction announcement, the outcome remains uncertain. NFL roster decisions can change quickly as teams finish their full evaluation across position groups, and the final construction can depend on how other areas of the roster shake out, including special teams needs and injury risk management.

What to watch next is whether the Rams’ final 53-man roster and practice-squad plan include Connors. If he does make the team, it would be an early sign that the undrafted back has earned at least a meaningful niche, whether that is as a rotational runner, a pass-protection option, or a special teams contributor.

If he falls short of a roster spot, the same competitive context can still matter. Players who come close on cutdown day sometimes end up on the practice squad or re-enter the conversation if injuries or role changes occur later in the season.