Watts was waived by the Rams on Friday, Joe Curley of the Ventura County Star reports.

EDGE Analysis

Watts hasn't taken the field since serving a year-long suspension in 2015 for his second violation of the league's substance abuse policy. Although he's now free to sign with any team on the open market, he likely won't find many willing suitors.

Watts was signed by the Rams on Friday, ESPN's Nick Wagoner reports.

EDGE Analysis

Watts was promoted from the practice squad, suggesting that Tre Mason (ankle) is unlikely to play. Even if he's active, Watts won't necessarily get any touches.

Watts has been suspended for the first four games of the 2015 season for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy, Myles Simmons of the Rams' website reports. Watts will be able to take part in offseason activities and training camp, but he will not be eligible to play for the Rams until Week 5. The Rams have good depth at running back, so Watts will have to make quite an impression during training camp if he hopes to grab a spot on the roster when his suspension is over.

Watts failed to notch a carry or reception the final seven games of the season and finished with 30 yards rushing and 18 yards receiving. After carrying five times for 24 yards against the Cowboys in late September, it looked like St. Louis might use Watts more than it did throughout the year. Yet the emergence of Tre Mason and Benny Cunningham took away any chance of Watts making an impact. He'll look to make more of an impression in 2015.

Watts received the first carries of his career Sunday, tallying 24 yards on five touches in a 34-31 loss to the Cowboys. Watts was effective with the few carries he received, averaging nearly five yards a carry. With a pair of running backs ahead of him on the depth chart, Watts won't see the ball much, but Sunday was still an encouraging start to a young career.

Watts carried nine times for 36 yards and a score Saturday in a 33-14 preseason rout of the Browns. The other candidate for the No. 4 running back spot, Chase Reynolds, did not play, so it looks like Watts will be the fourth option.

Watts carried three times for 19 yards in Saturday's 21-7 preseason loss to the Packers. With Isaiah Pead likely done for the season, Watts will likely move up to the fourth RB spot in St. Louis. He averaged more than six yards a carry Saturday including a 14-yard run.