Everett, Ebukam key for Rams
Gerald Everett and Samson Ebukam were the most improbable heroes to emerge from the Los Angeles Rams’ epic 5451 victory over Kansas City last season.
The Rams are expecting more big performances from two backups who are back in the spotlight.
Everett, then a seldomused tight end, caught two touchdown passes in the final 10 minutes of that crazy Monday night victory over the Chiefs.
Ebukam, an unsung linebacker and pass rusher, scored the first two touchdowns of his NFL career on a fumble return and an interception return, and he caused another interception in the fourth quarter with a hit on Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Nearly a year later, Everett and Ebukam are in prominent positions again for the Rams (32), who could use big contributions when they host the 49ers (40) at the Coliseum on Sunday.
Everett is getting an increasingly important role in the Rams’ offense, while Ebukam is a starter again after Clay Matthews broke his jaw last week.
“Of course, we want to be on the field as much as we can,” Everett said. “I think we all have a lot to contribute.”
Everett had only 49 receptions in his first two seasons combined, but the big tight end has 18 catches for 223 yards this season, highlighted by his careerbest seven receptions for 136 yards last week at Seattle.
Everett’s increasing role is linked to coach Sean McVay’s increased use of “12 personnel,” the shorthand for any offensive set with one running back and two tight ends on the field. Tyler Higbee is the Rams’ starting tight end, but Everett got plenty of action due to McVay’s use of two tight ends on 36% of their offensive snaps against the Seahawks. Raiders time change: The NFL announced that the RaidersTexans game in Houston on Oct. 27 will kick off at 1:25 p.m.
The game originally was set to begin at 10 a.m. Injury report: The Steelers ruled quarterback Mason Rudolph out for Sunday’s game against the Chargers because of a concussion, meaning undrafted rookie Devlin Hodges will get the start. Paxton Lynch, the Broncos’ firstround pick in 2016, will serve as Hodges’ backup after he was elevated from the practice squad . ... Chargers tight end Hunter Henry practiced, leaving open the possibility that he will return after missing four games due to a knee injury . ... The Eagles will be without wide receiver DeSean Jackson (abdomen), cornerbacks Ronald Darby (hamstring) and Avonte Maddox (neck) and running back Darren Sproles (calf ) when they face the Vikings on Sunday. Philadelphia also announced that running back Corey Clement was placed on injured reserve because of a shoulder injury . ... The Seahawks placed offensive lineman Ethan Pocic on IR because of a back issue. He played every offensive snap in the team’s opener but has missed the past three games . ... The Titans ruled out linebackers Cameron Wake (hamstring) and Sharif Finch (shoulder) for Sunday’s game in Denver. Briefly: The Broncos signed fullback Andy Janovich to a threeyear, $5.7 million extension . ... The Seahawks waived former 49ers safety Adrian Colbert . ... The Giants waived running back Jon Hilliman, who fumbled twice Thursday, and signed former Ravens running back Javorius Allen.