The Los Angeles Rams are preparing for a divisional showdown against the Arizona Cardinals in the Wild Card round.
They will do so without safety Jordan Fuller, who suffered a season-ending injury.
So would they just sit tight?
Not quite, as the team announced the signing of retired safety Eric Weddle.
Reunion: The #Rams are signing S Eric Weddle to play in the playoffs, per agent @davidcanter. With the injury to Jordan Fuller, Weddle steps in. Wild.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 12, 2022
This is major news Wednesday morning and has the entire NFL world reacting to Weddle’s return.
Eric Weddle back from dead #RamsHouse @weddlesbeard pic.twitter.com/9C7qDQPFdZ
— North Dallas Forty LosAngelesRams (@MattStaffordQB1) January 12, 2022
Weddle is out of retirement and returning to the Rams after a one-year stint with the team in 2019.
NFL World Reacting To Weddle’s Return
Most teams may just scour the free agent market and grab a younger player who was recently cut.
Not the Rams, as they signed one of the best safeties from the past decade.
The rams are all in. Bringing Eric Weddle back
— Mizter Wonderful (@TheMarcusGraham) January 12, 2022
Jalen Ramsey's reaction to Eric Weddle coming out of retirement to help the Rams make a playoff run. Safety Jordan Fuller is out for the season. Safety Taylor Rapp is in concussion protocol. https://t.co/wlTuwnhkl6
— Lindsey Thiry (@LindseyThiry) January 12, 2022
Eric Weddle back 😈
— Arthur Anderson (@RealShowTime_1) January 12, 2022
Weddle made a name for himself in the NFL by spending nearly a decade with the San Diego Chargers.
He then spent time in Baltimore and Los Angeles before seemingly hanging up his cleats for good.
Yet he is now back for one final run, unless he plays so well he wants to come back next season.
This entire story is unexpected and the main reaction seen on social media is one of shock and excitement.
Legend. Love Eric Weddle. https://t.co/zgQQfHHMfN
— Jake Winderman (@jakewinderman) January 12, 2022
Eric Weddle!?!?! Wow! I mean I'm here for it!
Starting to look like the NBA handing out 10 day contracts to vets from way back https://t.co/4bPRZTfumZ— IG: iAmJayAre (@iAmJayAre) January 12, 2022
I’m now rooting for Eric weddle
— adam sayleanus (@2021Ryanleaf) January 12, 2022
Weddle is stepping in likely as a depth option for a talented Rams defense.
So there is no expectation of him having to step up and be a leader like he was in the past.
He can save that leadership for the sideline and the locker room as a veteran voice.
AJ Green Vs Eric Weddle NEXT on Monday Night Football
— MJ (@MJ_STL) January 12, 2022
ERIC WEDDLE IS BACK
— ☃️ (@vexx444) January 12, 2022
Is it true the Rams called Adam Archuleta and Aeneas Williams first before Eric Weddle?
— Brock Landers 41 (@BrockLanders41) January 12, 2022
The only question now is how long Weddle’s return will last.
Can he help inspire the Rams to make a Super Bowl run?
NEXT: Rams Make A Shocking Addition For The Playoffs