Rams cut 6-foot-2, 327-pound ‘bowling ball’ but AFC team instantly offer career lifeline

After the Los Angeles Rams cut Tim Keenan III for a second time in a week, it looked like his NFL dream could already be over.

But the Las Vegas Raiders have offered up a lifeline, announcing that they had signed the 23-year-old defensive lineman to their practice squad.

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“We have signed DT Tim Keenan II and TE Patrick Gurd to the practice squad,” the Raiders announced in a post on X on Monday.

“In a corresponding move, we have released DT Gary Smith and S Devin Lafayette from the practice squad.”

Keenan was drafted by the Rams in the seventh-round – 232nd overall – of the 2026 NFL Draft after having spent four seasons playing college football for Alabama.

A three-year starter, he registered 95 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, and 5.5 sacks.

Listed at 6-foot-2, 327 pounds, Keenan also had two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble – all of which came during his senior year.

Former Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban was reportedly a huge fan of the nose tackle, having coached him up until his retirement in 2023.

“Keenan lined up at nose tackle in defensive coordinator Kane Womack’s multiple scheme. He was a Nick Saban favorite, because of his reliability and “do your job” production — and that continued with the Tide’s new staff,” The Athletic’s Dan Brugler wrote ahead of the 2026 draft.

“He got a late start as a senior following preseason ankle surgery, which affected his production, but he played his best ball late in the season.

“Like a tea pot, Keenan is short and stout. He is strong and technically sound with his hands to stack the point and create leverage. But he’s also often late to rid himself of blocks, mostly because of his length.

“Though limited as a pass rusher, he can be a bowling ball once he gets rolling downhill.”

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Keenan has point to prove in Sin City

After Keenan was waived when the Rams submitted their first 53-man roster of the new season, there was some optimism he could fight to make his way onto the team later on after being signed to their practice squad.

However, he was cut for a second time as Los Angeles looked to free up space to sign former Seahawks outside linebacker Jamie Sheriff.

Realistically, the Rams have far too much depth at the position for Keenan to have ever really got a good look in, with Poona Ford their No. 1 option and Ty Hamilton behind him on the depth chart.

Furthermore, the way that defensive coordinator Chris Shula likes to set up his defense isn’t particularly suited to Keenan’s game – who would very much suit a more traditional 3-4 front.

They also have the return of four-time AP Defensive Player of the year in Aaron Donald, as well as reigning DPOY Myles Garrett having made the switch over the off-season from the Cleveland Browns in a blockbuster trade.

In Las Vegas, Keenan has a legitimate chance to earn a call-up to the Raiders’ 53-man roster, though will need to step up his game after struggling during his preseason showings.

What may set him apart is his versatility, having shown that he can take snaps at the 0, 1, 3 and 5-technique.

With a solid lateral quickness for somebody of his size, he has also shown that he can get into the backfield to make plays, while his physical strength has been used to blow up double teams on occasion.

Therefore, his NFL dream is still very much alive.

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