The Rams made history in May when they used a seventh-round pick on Michael Sam and became the first NFL team to draft an openly gay player. However, for now at least, St. Louis won’t become the first NFL team to carry an openly gay player on its 53-man roster. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (via Twitter), Sam has been cut by the Rams.
Sam had a solid preseason for the Rams, including a sack of Johnny Manziel in the team’s game against the Browns. But competition for a roster spot on the Rams’ defensive line – one of the best in football – was fierce, and Sam became one of the last roster casualties before this afternoon’s deadline. As Schefter notes, the Missouri alum would be a strong practice squad candidate for the Rams or another club, if he clears waivers.
In addition to waiving Sam, the Rams have also removed the following players from their roster:
- Stedman Bailey, WR (via Nick Wagoner on Twitter): Moved to reserve-suspended list
- Christian Bryant, S (via team release)
- Matt Conrath, DT (via Jim Thomas on Twitter)
- Austin Franklin, WR (via team release)
- Greg Reid, CB (via Thomas on Twitter)
- Brandon Washington, OL (via Ian Rapoport on Twitter)
- Lawrence Wilson, LB (via Wagoner on Twitter)