The Rams brought in Toto Atwell and Ahkilo Witherspoon from injured reserve

The Rams, the team with the best record in the NFC, are getting stronger.

On Wednesday, the Rams designated receiver Tutu Atwell and cornerback Ahkilo Witherspoon to return from injured reserve. Both could play Sunday against the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte, N.C., coach Sean McVay said.

The Rams also placed cornerback Roger McCreary on injured reserve, claimed cornerback Darion Kendrick off waivers from the Seattle Seahawks and signed veteran tight end Nick Winnett to the roster.

McVay said last week that Atwell, who is recovering from a hamstring injury, was expected to play Sunday. But Witherspoon thought he was still weeks away from returning from a hamstring injury in the second week of the season. Witherspoon said Wednesday that he suffered a left scapula injury, not a broken collarbone as McVay initially told reporters.

McVay said Wednesday that the scan results, and Witherspoon’s work with the trainers, put him ahead of schedule.

“To get Ahkilo back, we have some flexibility,” McVeigh said.

McCree, acquired in a trade with the Tennessee Titans in October, was placed on injured reserve on Wednesday after suffering an abdominal injury in the Rams’ win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. McCree played on special teams, and he played just one defensive snap against the Buccaneers.

The Rams welcome back Kendrick, the Rams’ 2022 sixth-round draft pick, who started six games in 2022 and 12 games in 2023 before suffering a season-ending knee injury on the first day of 2024 training camp.

“He’s a guy who has recognition and flexibility both inside and outside,” McVay said. “We feel fortunate that the guys you’re asking to step up are guys who know what’s going on and have real game experience and that means a lot at this time of year.”

Winnett, a 10-year pro, was signed off the Minnesota Vikings’ practice squad to help bolster a post group that will be without veteran Tyler Higbee for at least three more games due to a foot injury.

The Rams used sets with up to three tight ends. Winnett joins Calby Parkinson, Davis Allen and rookie Terrence Ferguson.

“While Higbee is out for a while right now, we want to make sure that if you decide to go with a couple of guys, that you’re not one injury away from losing part of your game plan,” McVay said.