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Rams release Xavier Smith a day after saying they wouldn't replace him

Just a day after special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone publicly expressed total confidence in Xavier Smith and denied any plans to make a roster change, the Los Angeles Rams abruptly waived the third-year wide receiver and return specialist on Friday morning. Ventrone had previously cited the twenty-nine-year-old's inconsistent performance fielding kicks through the first three games of the season, specifically pointing to tracking and judgment struggles, yet explicitly stated on Thursday that the organization trusted him to maintain his role.

Smith had previously worked his way up from an undrafted free agent signing to secure kick return and rotational receiver duties, notably bouncing back after committing a crucial fumble during the NFC championship game defeat against the Seattle Seahawks last year. Following his unexpected release, the coaching staff will look to alternative internal options for punt returns, including running back Kyren Williams and recently reacquired receiver Tutu Atwell, who have both practiced taking on those duties.

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