Rams and Texans (Photos via Getty Images)On Thursday, it was initially reported that the Los Angeles Rams would be cutting wide receiver Ben Skowronek. Hours later, things changed drastically.Instead, the Rams will be sending him to the AFC South.The Houston Texans added to their receiving corps Thursday by acquiring Ben Skowronek from the Los Angeles Rams, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.Ian Rapoport of NFL Network further added that the Rams and the Texans will swap their 6th and 7th-round draft picks in 2026.
Skowronek, a seventh-round selection in 2021, spent three seasons with the Rams, catching 58 catches for 575 yards and one touchdown.
Skowronek was moved down the depth chart in the 2023 season by Cooper Kupp’s comeback from a hamstring injury and Puka Nacua’s rise to prominence. Despite playing in all 17 games, he only received 12 targets, far fewer than the 61 targets he received in 2022.
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Skowronek will now go from not being utilized much by the Rams to joining an offense with just as many options at wide receiver.
Nico Collins and Tank Dell combined for 2,006 receiving yards, but their overall outstanding performance did not prevent Houston from dealing for four-time Pro Bowler Stefon Diggs this offseason.
Whether he’s operating between the tackles or working from the outside Skowronek’s run-blocking is the skill that might have landed him in Houston.
Los Angeles Rams WR Corp Starting To Take Shape After Surprise 2023 Season
Los Angeles Rams (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)The Rams shocked everybody last year by having a great year that led to a playoff berth.The team traded wide receiver Ben Skowronek as the move helped the WR room take shape. It clears the way for former Texas Longhorns wide receiver Jordan Whittington, who will likely take over that spot as a key special team member and wide receiver 4 for the team.
REPORT: NFL Is Investigating More Players For Gambling Violations
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 13: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell speaks during the Super Bowl LVII Host Committee Handoff Press Conference at Phoenix Convention Center on February 13, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)On Monday, it was reported that the NFL was investigating an Indianapolis Colts player for “pervasive” sports betting, which reportedly included wagers on the Colts.
It was later revealed that the player in question is cornerback and kick returner Isaiah Rodgers.
Per ESPN’s report, “Most of the bets were in the $25-$50 range, although there was at least one low four-figure bet.”
It certainly looks like this problem will only get bigger as more players are sure to be caught up in this investigation.
According to a report from Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, the NFL’s “latest probe into sports betting could implicate a healthy number of guys from across the league.”
“As you might imagine, Park Avenue is taking this very, very seriously, knowing that it’ll set a tone for how these matters are handled going forward. It’s also a lot more complicated than it used to be, with the league now heavily involved in the business of gambling, with gaming partnerships left and right, and a casino’s name right there on a stadium in New Orleans that’ll host the Super Bowl just 20 months from now (12 months after Las Vegas hosts one).”
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Violations of the NFL’s gambling policy continue to be an ongoing storyline.
Back in April, the NFL suspended Detroit Lions wideouts Jameson Williams and Stanley Berryhill for six games after they were found to have placed bets on other sports while at team facilities.
Lions receiver Quintez Cephus and safety C.J. Moore and Washington Commanders defensive end Shaka Toney were suspended indefinitely for sports gambling infractions.
Sports betting has become more prevalent in this day and age among fans, but now players are also wanting to get in on the action, which will continue to present a problem for years to come.
The most notable betting issue was now-Jacksonville Jaguars wideout Calvin Ridley being suspended indefinitely for gambling on NFL games while he was away from the Atlanta Falcons on the non-football illness list in 2021. He was reinstated this March.
