Panic Meter: Is it time to give up on Jarquez Hunter?

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 10: Jarquez Hunter #27 of the Los Angeles Rams runs onto the field prior to an NFL wild card playoff football game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on January 10, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images) | Getty Images One of the quiet moves of the week was the Los Angeles Rams bringing back Ronnie Rivers . Rivers tested the free agent waters but found no greener grass on the other side.

We know Kyren Williams and Blake Corum are the starting one-two punch. The third spot behind them is up for grabs, and both players have relatively lengthy injury histories. It’s a reasonable possibility that carries and playing time are up for grabs behind the starting duo.

While Rivers is not guaranteed to make the roster upon his return, he’s spent the last four seasons in Los Angeles. He’s a known commodity and it’s telling that the Rams wanted to bring him back. Rivers also has flexibility as a kickoff returner, though he’s not particularly dynamic in this role and it’s easy to see the Rams finding a better full-time option as they renew their commitment to special teams.

Jarquez Hunter, pick 117 Kyle Monangai, pick 233 — TurfShowTimes (@TurfShowTimes) January 19, 2026 More concerning is what the Rivers reunion means for second-year back Jarquez Hunter. LA traded away an additional sixth round pick in order to move up ten spots in the fourth round of last year’s draft and land Hunter. He’s someone the team was evidently eager to bring in, though he was a healthy scratch for nearly the entirety of last season.