- Xavier Smith
- #19
- Team LAR
- Pos WR
- Status AActive
-
Tendered by Rams
The Rams tendered Smith on Monday.
Analysis: Smith was slated to be an exclusive rights free agent, and by receiving a tender, he's now locked in with Los Angeles for another season. The Florida A&M product has served as a depth wideout for the Rams during his two campaigns in the NFL, and he saw his role expand last year with an 18-303-0 receiving line over 16 regular-season games. Smith also was a key component of the Rams' special-teams unit, racking up 301 kick-return yards and 251 punt-return yards. He'll likely be deployed in a…read more
Published: Mon, Mar 2 at 5:19pm by Rotowire.com
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Little impact in win
Smith secured one of two targets for six yards, returned one punt for nine yards and returned one kickoff for 27 yards during Sunday's 37-20 victory over the Cardinals.
Analysis: A week removed from leading the Rams in receiving yards, Smith fell back to Earth in a big way against Arizona, reverting back to his typical output throughout the 2025 campaign. Smith was fourth on the Rams in receiving yardage with 303 yards on 24 catches and no touchdowns. Smith's role grew as the season progressed, settling in as one of the primary backups behind starters Puka Nacua and Davante Adams (hamstring). Smith will be an exclusive-rights free agent after the postseason and will be…read more
Published: Mon, Jan 5 at 10:22am by Rotowire.com
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Full Thursday
Smith (chest) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, Adam Grosbard of The Orange County Register reports.
Analysis: Smith led the Rams with 67 receiving yards on four catches in Monday night's loss to the Falcons. With Davante Adams (hamstring) expected to miss Week 18 against Arizona, Smith should again operate as the Rams' third receiver.
Published: Thu, Jan 1 at 6:05pm by Rotowire.com
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Limited in walkthrough
Smith (chest) was limited at Wednesday's walkthrough, Adam Grosbard of The Orange County Register reports.
Analysis: In Monday's 27-24 loss in Atlanta, Smith ranked third among Rams wide receivers in snap share with 51 percent behind Puka Nacua (74 percent) and Konata Mumpfield (66 percent). However, Smith paced the team with 67 receiving yards on his four catches. Assuming he's able to play through his chest injury Sunday against the Cardinals, he should continue to earn consistent looks from QB Matthew Stafford because No. 2 WR Davante Adams is expected to miss a third game in a row, as coach Sean McVay…read more
Published: Wed, Dec 31 at 4:30pm by Rotowire.com
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Leading receiver on MNF
Smith had four receptions (on six targets) for 67 yards while returning three punts for 23 yards in Monday's 27-24 loss to Atlanta.
Analysis: Smith was shockingly the game's leading receiver in a Monday Night Football matchup that featured star receivers Puka Nacua and Drake London. The 27-year-old Smith's six targets were the most he has seen in a pro game to date. The return specialist was the biggest beneficiary of WR Davante Adams' (hamstring) absence after Tutu Atwell and Konata Mumpfield were held to two catches for 10 yards combined in Monday's loss. Smith appears to be the backup most likely to step up behind Nacua if Adams…read more
Published: Mon, Dec 29 at 9:36pm by Rotowire.com
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Makes lengthy grab in loss
Smith secured both of his targets for 57 yards and returned one punt for 31 yards during Thursday's 38-37 overtime loss to the Seahawks.
Analysis: On a third-and-9 play early in the third quarter, Smith was able to burn past Devon Witherspoon and snag a dart from Matthew Stafford for a 48-yard gain, leading to a Harrison Mevis field goal a few plays later. Smith has shown the ability to make explosive plays when called upon in recent weeks, including a 51-yard catch in Week 13 against Carolina. Fellow backups Jordan Whittington and Tutu Atwell combined for a single catch for 19 yards, while Konata Mumpfield earned a whopping eight…read more
Published: Fri, Dec 19 at 12:55pm by Rotowire.com
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Sees little usage
Smith failed to record a target during Sunday's 41-34 victory against the Lions.
Analysis: Sunday marked the first time since Week 6 that Smith was held without a catch, and more concerning was a steep drop in playing time; Smith was only on the field for three snaps on offense. Tutu Atwell returned but only earned four snaps of his own, while Konata Mumpfield and his 32 snaps marked the highest usage out of the backup wideouts. Even with Davante Adams (hamstring) potentially unavailable for a pivotal Week 16 matchup on the road against division-rival Seattle, Smith's most likely…read more
Published: Mon, Dec 15 at 11:38am by Rotowire.com
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Limited usage in blowout win
Smith secured his only target for six yards and returned three punts for 46 yards during Sunday's 45-17 victory against the Cardinals.
Analysis: A week removed from a career-high 82 yard performance against the Panthers, Smith regressed back to his typical stat line against the Cardinals. Smith took the field for just 21 snaps on offense, which was still a fair amount more than fellow backup Jordan Whittington's 12. Konata Mumpfield did get an extended look with 32 snaps on offense, but none of the trio of backups managed to earn more than a single target and combined for just 16 yards receiving, leaving them difficult to trust in…read more
Published: Mon, Dec 8 at 10:51am by Rotowire.com
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Career-best effort in Carolina
Smith caught all three of his targets for 82 yards in Sunday's 31-28 loss to the Panthers.
Analysis: The second-year wideout missed last week's game due to a concussion, but he returned to action with a bang, setting career highs in catches and yardage while leading the Rams in receiving yards. Most of the real estate was gained on a 51-yard connection with Matthew Stafford that helped set up a Blake Corum TD right before halftime. Smith's biggest impact this season prior to Sunday had come as a kick returner -- he has 274 kickoff-return yards and 142 punt-return yards through his first 10…read more
Published: Sun, Nov 30 at 2:44pm by Rotowire.com
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Cleared of concussion
Smith (concussion) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Panthers, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM NFL Radio reports.
Analysis: Smith was able to practice in full Friday, and he has cleared the league's concussion protocol and is set to suit up for Sunday's contest. The punt returner missed last Sunday's victory over the Buccaneers due to the concussion he suffered against the Seahawks in Week 11. The 28-year-old will look to add to his 142 punt return yards in Sunday's clash.
Published: Fri, Nov 28 at 2:18pm by Rotowire.com
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Returns to full participation
Smith (concussion) logged a full practice Wednesday, Adam Grosbard of The Orange County Register reports.
Analysis: Smith missed the Rams' Week 12 win over the Buccaneers after logging a pair of limited practices. His return to a full session Wednesday is positive, but it's unclear if he has cleared the league's concussion protocol -- a necessary step before he can return in Week 13 against the Panthers.
Published: Wed, Nov 26 at 6:48pm by Rotowire.com
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Inactive against Tampa Bay
Smith (concussion) is inactive for Sunday night's game versus Tampa Bay.
Analysis: Smith was concussed last Sunday against the Seahawks and will miss this one against the Bucs, allowing Jordan Whittington and Konata Mumpfield opportunities to play more snaps behind Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. Across 10 games this season, Smith has a 7-85-0 receiving line on 10 targets.
Published: Sun, Nov 23 at 4:11pm by Rotowire.com
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Questionable for SNF
Smith (concussion) is questionable for Sunday night's game against the Bucs, Sarah Barshop of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: Smith was concussed in last Sunday's win over the Seahawks but was able to log a pair of limited practices Thursday and Friday. However, Smith is still in the protocol. If Smith is unable to play Sunday night, Jordan Whittington and Konata Mumpfield would be next up for wideout snaps behind Puka Nacua and Davante Adams.
Published: Fri, Nov 21 at 6:44pm by Rotowire.com
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Back at practice
Smith (concussion) was a limited participant at practice Thursday, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM NFL Radio reports.
Analysis: Smith sustained a concussion in the team's 21-19 win over the Seahawks in Week 11, and he was able to return to practice after missing Wednesday's session. The wide receiver will have to clear concussion protocol in order to play Sunday versus the Buccaneers, and Thursday's participation was a step in the right direction.
Published: Thu, Nov 20 at 5:29pm by Rotowire.com
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Doesn't practice Wednesday
Smith (concussion) did not practice Wednesday, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM NFL Radio reports.
Analysis: Smith entered the league's concussion protocol during the Rams' Week 11 win over the Seahawks. Even if he returns to practice this week, he would need to be cleared by an independent neurologist in order to play against the Buccaneers on Sunday. Smith has mostly served on special teams as a returner this season, though he has recorded six catches (on nine targets) for 49 yards over his last four games.
Published: Wed, Nov 19 at 7:49pm by Rotowire.com
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Done for day
Smith (concussion) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's contest against the Seahawks.
Analysis: Smith suffered a concussion in the first half of the contest, and his day has officially come to a premature end. The wide receiver caught one of two targets for eight yards while also adding a 22-yard kickoff return prior to exiting the game. In Smith's absence, Konata Mumpfield could stand to see an increase in workload on offense and on special teams.
Published: Sun, Nov 16 at 2:49pm by Rotowire.com
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Makes a pair of grabs
Smith secured two of three targets for 12 yards and returned two punts for 11 yards during Sunday's 34-10 win against the Saints.
Analysis: With Tutu Atwell (hamstring) out and Puka Nacua (chest) leaving the contest early, Smith managed to record a nearly identical stat line to last week, albeit with only 13 snaps on offense, a significant decrease from last week. If Nacua were in line to miss any additional time with his injury, Smith, Jordan Whittington and Konata Mumpfield would all be in line for additional work, with Smith likely to step into Atwell's role of field-stretching speedster for the Rams. A healthy Davante Adams…read more
Published: Mon, Nov 3 at 5:32pm by Rotowire.com
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Season-high two catches
Smith caught two of three targets for 15 yards, returned three punts for 17 yards and returned one kick for 32 yards during Sunday's 35-7 win against the Jaguars.
Analysis: Pressed into duty with Puka Nacua (ankle) out and Tutu Atwell limited to just a handful of snaps, the second-year pro tripled his catch total on the season with his pair of snags. Smith also was on the field for nearly half of the snaps on offense for the Rams, although he didn't manage to catch any of Matthew Stafford's five touchdown passes on the day. Smith will look to ride the momentum from his increased usage after the Rams' bye in Week 8, when the Saints come to town Week 9.
Published: Mon, Oct 20 at 12:29pm by Rotowire.com
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One long catch in limited duty
Smith caught his only target for 36 yards and returned two punts for 21 yards during Sunday's 14-9 victory against the Texans.
Analysis: Despite Smith's role appearing to remain the exact same from last year to present, he managed to make the most of his pair of snaps on offense. Smith caught a deep ball from Matthew Stafford in the third quarter for 36 yards, a key play on the Rams' second and final touchdown drive of the day. Despite the impressive catch, Smith's value for the Rams will likely remain on special teams for the duration of the season, with the Titans next up on the docket Week 2.
Published: Mon, Sep 8 at 4:01pm by Rotowire.com
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Efficient in limited work
Smith caught all four of his targets for 49 yards and rushed once for five yards during Saturday's 23-22 preseason win against the Chargers.
Analysis: Given coach Sean McVay's proclivity to rest starters during the preseason, Smith's meager 26 snaps on offense may be a sign that Smith is closer to locking up a roster spot. Smith still managed to end up second on the team in receiving yardage despite his limited time on the field while Britain Covey, Smith's main competition for a roster spot, had a quiet day with just three catches (on six targets) for 13 yards. Although Mario Williams and Tru Edwards both scored and Brennan Presley eclipsed…read more
Published: Sun, Aug 17 at 9:34pm by Rotowire.com
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Snags 39-yard catch in win
Smith caught all three of his targets for 55 yards during Saturday's 31-21 preseason victory against the Cowboys.
Analysis: The Rams' primary return man from last season showcased his skills as a receiver Saturday, making a contested catch on a long pass from Stetson Bennett on fourth-and-6 that led to a Blake Corum rushing touchdown. With the Rams likely to roster six wide receivers, as has been the trend in recent years, the final roster spot is likely to come down to either Smith, Britain Covey, Mario Williams or Brennan Presley. Smith already has an upper hand on the role as the incumbent return man, so consider…read more
Published: Sun, Aug 10 at 1:42pm by Rotowire.com
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Used primarily as return man
Smith caught two passes for six yards, rushed twice for 30 yards and logged 155 yards as a kick returner and 178 yards as a punt returner during the 2024 regular season.
Analysis: After spending all of 2023 on the practice squad, the Rams brought Smith on to serve as a return specialist, and he accrued a total of 333 yards in the role. Smith is under contract with the Rams for one more season, and with Demarcus Robinson, Tutu Atwell and Tyler Johnson all unrestricted free agents, a more expanded role may be in the cards for Smith in 2025.
Published: Fri, Jan 31 at 11:59am by Rotowire.com
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Sticks to special teams in Week 15
Smith returned one punt for 10 yards while playing all 13 of his snaps on special teams in Thursday's 12-6 win over the 49ers.
Analysis: Smith was one of seven Rams receivers active Thursday, but he went without any snaps on offense for the second straight game while the other six wideouts all worked ahead of him. He'll continue to bring most of his value to the Rams in the return game.
Published: Wed, Dec 18 at 8:18am by Rotowire.com
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Makes most of five offensive snaps
Smith rushed twice for 30 yards and returned one punt for eight yards during Sunday's 20-15 win against the Raiders.
Analysis: Smith showcased his speed in the third quarter, bursting on the outside and breaking off a 24-yard run that led to a Kyren Williams rushing touchdown one play later. Smith hasn't had a lot of opportunities to showcase his talents in a crowded Rams receiving corps, and Cooper Kupp (ankle) is likely to return Week 8 against the Vikings. This big play by Smith may end up being just a blip on the radar, while he is relegated back to strictly punt return duties for the Rams.
Published: Mon, Oct 21 at 11:51am by Rotowire.com
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Promoted to active roster
The Rams signed Smith off the practice squad to the active roster Wednesday.
Analysis: The Rams signed Smith to the active roster as they had elevated him from the practice squad three times this season, which is the most a team is allowed to do. Smith has served primarily on special teams on punt returns, but he did play eight offensive snaps in Week 5 against the Packers and caught both of his targets for six yards.
Published: Wed, Oct 16 at 4:03pm by Rotowire.com
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Returns to practice squad
Smith reverted to the Rams' practice squad Monday.
Analysis: Smith was elevated for his third and final eligible time for Sunday's loss to the Packers. The 27-year-old saw two targets in the matchup, catching both for a total of six yards. If he's going to suit up in Week 7, after the team's bye week, he'll need to be signed to the 53-man roster or waived and re-signed.
Published: Tue, Oct 8 at 8:15am by Rotowire.com
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Elevated from practice squad
The Rams elevated Smith from the practice squad to the active roster Saturday.
Analysis: This is the third and final time Smith can be elevated from the practice squad, and if the Rams want him to stick around, they would have to sign him to the active roster following Sunday's game against the Packers. Smith has played 19 snaps (two on offense, 17 on special teams) over his two regular-season outings.
Published: Sat, Oct 5 at 11:46am by Rotowire.com
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Back with practice squad
Smith reverted to the Rams' practice squad Monday, per the NFL's official transaction log.
Analysis: Smith was elevated ahead of Sunday's loss to the Bears, most notably returning one punt for 17 yards while playing 10 snaps with the special-teams unit. He failed to record any stats on offense, playing two snaps in the contest. Smith can be elevated one more time before Los Angeles would have to sign him to its active roster.
Published: Mon, Sep 30 at 5:45pm by Rotowire.com
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Joins active roster
Smith was elevated to the Rams' active roster Saturday.
Analysis: Smith has been elevated to the Rams' active roster for the second consecutive week as the team continues to deal with injuries in its wide receiver room. The 27-year-old played seven special-teams snaps during Los Angeles' Week 3 win over the 49ers, and he's expected to have a similar role in Week 4.
Published: Sat, Sep 28 at 10:31am by Rotowire.com
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Reverts to practice squad
Smith reverted to the Rams' practice squad Monday, per the NFL's transaction log.
Analysis: The wide receiver played seven snaps on special teams in his NFL debut against the 49ers on Sunday, returning one punt for 38 yards and making a fair catch. Smith signed with the Rams' practice squad after failing to make the 53-man roster out of training camp.
Published: Mon, Sep 23 at 5:23pm by Rotowire.com
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Elevated from practice squad
The Rams elevated Smith from their practice squad to the active roster Saturday, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: Smith signed with the Rams' practice squad after failing to make the 53-man roster at the conclusion of training camp. He is in line to make his NFL debut Sunday against the 49ers if he's active for the contest, and he would provide depth at wide receiver with Cooper Kupp (ankle) and Puka Nacua (knee) sidelined.
Published: Sat, Sep 21 at 11:38am by Rotowire.com
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Joins Rams' practice squad
Smith signed with the Rams' practice squad Wednesday, Stu Jackson of the team's official site reports.
Analysis: The 26-year-old wideout failed to make the Rams' initial 53-man roster Tuesday, but he's now returning to Los Angeles as a practice-squad player. Smith impressed throughout the Rams' three preseason contests, racking up 126 total yards on 17 touches.
Published: Thu, Aug 29 at 12:46pm by Rotowire.com
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Waived by Rams
Smith was waived by the Rams on Tuesday.
Analysis: The wide receiver caught four passes for 34 yards and carried the ball three times for 16 yards in the team's final preseason game, but it wasn't enough to land L.A.'s final receiver spot. Smith signed a reserve/future contract with the Rams in January after spending 2023 on the team's practice squad.
Published: Tue, Aug 27 at 5:14pm by Rotowire.com
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Does it all in final showcase
Smith secured four of five targets for 34 yards, rushed three times for 16 yards and returned one punt for 23 yards during Saturday's 17-15 loss to the Texans.
Analysis: The Rams rested a large portion of their starters Saturday, and Tyler Johnson was among those who didn't see the field. This seemed to signal that Smith was squarely on the roster bubble, and he made a strong case for his inclusion as the seventh wide receiver with another multi-faceted performance. No other receiver on the Rams did much to make a claim for the final spot, so head coach Sean McVay is likely deciding between keeping Puka Nacua, Cooper Kupp, Demarcus Robinson, Tutu Atwell, Jordan…read more
Published: Sun, Aug 25 at 7:16pm by Rotowire.com
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Performs well in extended look
Smith secured five of eight targets for 45 yards during Saturday's 13-9 victory against the Chargers. He also rushed once for nine yards and returned two punts for 50 yards.
Analysis: Smith was on the field for all but four of the Rams' snaps on offense and showcased his abilities as a receiver, rushing threat and return specialist. The battle for one of the final spots on the roster as a receiver will likely come down to Smith and Tyler Johnson, unless the Rams choose to keep seven receivers to start the season. The 2023 UDFA out of Florida A&M has no prior NFL experience, while Johnson is entering his fifth year in the league and has a 50-537-3 receiving line in that time.…read more
Published: Sun, Aug 18 at 11:17pm by Rotowire.com
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Snags four catches
Smith caught all four targets for 20 yards and returned two kickoffs for 47 yards during Sunday's 13-12 preseason victory against the Cowboys.
Analysis: Notably, Smith played in 76 percent of the snaps on offense, more than all but three other players. The second-year pro out of Florida A&M is firmly on the cut line for the final 53-man roster bubble, with Puka Nacua (Knee), Cooper Kupp, Demarcus Robinson, Tutu Atwell and Jordan Whittington all almost assured to secure a spot. Smith, Tyler Johnson, Drake Stoops, Sam Wiglusz and JJ Laap will be competing for what likely will be the final wide-receiver spot on the roster, as the Rams kept just…read more
Published: Mon, Aug 12 at 6:57pm by Rotowire.com
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Signs reserve deal with Rams
Smith signed a reserve/future contract with the Rams on Tuesday.
Analysis: Smith spent his rookie season on the Rams' practice squad after failing to make the team out of camp. The wide receiver out of Florida A&M will try to make the roster in 2024.
Published: Wed, Jan 17 at 9:30am by Rotowire.com
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Signs to LA's practice squad
The Rams signed Smith to their practice squad, Stu Jackson of the Rams' official site reports.
Analysis: Smith was unable to make the Rams' 53-man roster, but the undrafted free agent cleared waivers and will now join the team's practice squad. The rookie wideout did not do enough to secure an active roster spot, but he'll have the opportunity to impress in practice and possibly provide a depth option if the Ram's wide receiver corps deal with injury issues this season.
Published: Wed, Aug 30 at 6:41pm by Rotowire.com
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Waived by LAR
The Rams waived Smith on Tuesday.
Analysis: Smith was signed as an undrafted free agent in May, but he'll likely have to start his rookie season on a practice-squad deal after clearing waivers. The Florida A&M product played 24 snaps (15 offensive) during the Rams' preseason finale but wasn't targeted.
Published: Tue, Aug 29 at 1:44pm by Rotowire.com
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