Skip to main content
Come Fan with UsMonday, June 22, 2026

Rams WR Tavon Austin takes snaps at running back

St. Louis may be adding a wrinkle to its offense by giving Austin some handoffs.

David Welker

St. Louis Rams wide receiver Tavon Austin, the No. 8 pick in this year's NFL Draft, has been receiving some snaps at running back, per Joe Lyons of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Giving Austin some handoffs would add another layer to the Rams’ offense for which opposing defenses would have to account. He ran a 4.34-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, so he’ll obviously be one of the fastest players on the field in every game. Austin checks in at just 5’8, 174 pounds, but that speed could make him a dangerous backfield threat in certain situations.

Austin has experience playing running back from his time in college at West Virginia. He rushed for 1,031 yards and six touchdowns during his four years with the Mountaineers, including 643 and three in 2012. Against Oklahoma last season, Austin racked up an incredible 344 yards on 21 carries, an average of 16.4 yards per rush.

More from SB Nation:

Shanahan: RG3 could be all-time great

Jay-Z may have broken rules with Geno Smith

Bucs Nation: How Gerald McCoy gets one-on-ones

Ex-NFL GM: Brian Urlacher not a HOF lock

Van Bibber: OTA news and notes

Ndamukong Suh rides a Zamboni | #Lookit

See More:

More in NFL

NFL
WNFC championship game airing Sunday, June 21st from Ford Center in FriscoWNFC championship game airing Sunday, June 21st from Ford Center in Frisco
NFL

The Women’s National Football Conference Championship will air on ESPN2 this weekend.

By RJ Ochoa
From SBNationExternal Link
Which fictional quarterback would you have lead your team?Which fictional quarterback would you have lead your team?
From SBNationExternal Link
By James Dator
NFL
Best bets for 2026 NFL Offensive Rookie of the YearBest bets for 2026 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year
NFL

There are some good longer-shot options on offensive side of ball for the NFL’s Rookie of the Year.

By Bill Williamson
NFL
Brendan Sorsby is a rare chance to get a top QB cheap, and these teams should go inBrendan Sorsby is a rare chance to get a top QB cheap, and these teams should go in
NFL

This is a no-brainer for some NFL teams.

By James Dator
NFL
Fernando Mendoza has great respect for the Raiders that came before himFernando Mendoza has great respect for the Raiders that came before him
NFL

Fernando Mendoza has great respect for the Raiders that came before him

By RJ Ochoa
NFL
Brendan Sorsby intends to enter NFL Supplemental Draft, per reportsBrendan Sorsby intends to enter NFL Supplemental Draft, per reports
NFL

Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby is entering the NFL Supplemental Draft, per reports

By Mark Schofield