New Rams DT A'Shawn Robinson moves closer to debut

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (AP) — A'Shawn Robinson has been designated to return to practice with the Rams this week, moving the new defensive tackle closer to his debut for Los Angeles.

The Rams (4-2) announced the decision Wednesday. Robinson can be activated at any point in the next 21 days, or the Rams can place him on season-ending injured reserve.

Robinson left the Detroit Lions for a two-year, $17 million deal with Los Angeles in April. He was placed on the non-football injury list for unspecified reasons at the start of training camp in August, requiring him to miss at least the first six weeks of the season.

Robinson has stayed around his new team despite being unable to practice, and coach Sean McVay has been optimistic Robinson will play this season.

Robinson played his first four NFL seasons with the Lions, who drafted him out of Alabama in 2016. The Rams signed him as a probable replacement for Michael Brockers, only for Brockers to return to Los Angeles after his free agent deal with Baltimore fell through.

Robinson's return could be a boost to the Rams' run defense, which is ranked near the middle of the NFL.

The Rams host the Chicago Bears on Monday night, followed by a trip to Miami on Nov. 1 ahead of their bye week.

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