Rams minicamp observations: New guys are raising some eyebrows

The Rams opened a two-day minicamp Tuesday, the final workouts for coach Sean McVay and his players until training camp begins in late July at UC Irvine.

Observations from the Rams’ penultimate practice:

Who’s not there: Star defensive tackle Aaron Donald and offensive lineman Alaric Jackson were excused from the mandatory camp because of “family stuff,” McVay said.

Donald, 32, a three-time NFL defensive player of the year and future Hall of Famer, is entering his 10th NFL season. He will carry a salary cap number of $26 million this season.

Jackson, 24, is competing with Joe Noteboom to start at left tackle. He will carry a cap number of $947,000.

Wide receiver Ben Skowronek continues to be held out because of a foot issue and rookie cornerback Tre Tomlinson is not practicing because of a hamstring injury, McVay said.

Cooper Kupp continues to progress: Kupp, the Rams’ star receiver, took another step in his comeback from season-ending ankle surgery.

Last week, during a workout open to reporters, Kupp worked almost exclusively on the side and caught passes from trainers before joining a jog-through two-minute drill at the end of the workout.

On Tuesday, Kupp went through most team and individual drills at full speed. He worked on the side with a trainer for only a short period.

New receivers Tyler Johnson, Demarcus Robinson catching on: Kupp was absent for most of the offseason program, Van Jefferson has been limited and Skowronek sidelined, so the recently signed veterans were ostensibly added to provide depth for workouts.

“That kind of was a big catalyst for why we ended up doing it,” McVay said of signing Johnson and Robinson, adding, “but those guys are going to really push, and I like what I’ve seen from them so far.”

Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) and tight end Tyler Higbee (89) have displayed their connection at camp.

(Ashley Landis / Associated Press)

Tight end Tyler Higee showing veteran savvy: Quarterback Matthew Stafford has appeared sharp throughout offseason workouts, and Higbee continues to be the recipient of many of his touchdown passes.

Higbee, a seven-year veteran, leads a position group that includes Brycen Hopkins, Hunter Long and rookie Davis Allen.

Robert Rochell getting a look: Rochell, a third-year cornerback, started five games as a rookie in 2021 but mainly played special teams last season after then-rookies Cobie Durant and Derion Kendrick passed him on the depth chart.

Tomlinson had been taking reps as a nickel back, but with Tomlinson sidelined, Rochell got extended work with the first-unit defense.

Rookie defensive lineman Kobie Turner making an impression: Turner, a third-round draft pick from Wake Forest, is taking advantage of opportunities, McVay said.

“He’s done an amazing job,” McVay said. “I’ve really been impressed with just his professionalism. He shines — his relentless effort to the football and then being able to just understand the nuances of what we’re asking of him.”

Rookie offensive lineman Steve Avila and rookie receiver Puka Nacua also have stood out, McVay said.

Spoils of victory: Kevin Demoff, the Rams’ chief operating officer, attended practice wearing a Denver Nuggets NBA championship cap.

The Nuggets, Rams and the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche have won titles under owner Stan Kroenke.

“Behind the scenes,” McVay said of Kroenke, “I think he’s the most supportive in the moments that you need it the most.”