Gunning for their first playoff spot in 13 years, the Rams will soon have an additional option in their backfield. Los Angeles activated running back Lance Dunbar on Saturday, Rich Hammond of the Orange County Register reports (on Twitter).
Dunbar spent the first half of the season on the PUP list, with knee pain sidelining the former Cowboys passing-down back. Dunbar returned to practice last week, and the Rams didn’t have to make a decision on him just yet due to NFL rules, but he will join Todd Gurley in a blossoming offense beginning in Week 10.
Dunbar will effectively replace Malcolm Brown in the backfield. Brown suffered an injury recently that will shelve him for some time.
The Rams signed Dunbar to a one-year deal in March. He returned from a 2015 ACL tear last season and played in 13 games for the Cowboys. However, Ezekiel Elliott‘s arrival changed Dallas’ backfield arrangement and limited outside opportunities. Gurley could have the same effect on Dunbar in L.A. The Rams have used their starter as a three-down back. But Dunbar returning will at worst provide insurance while outfitting Sean McVay with another weapon in passing situations.