Ryan Clark gives a passionate speech to explain why the Rams weren't included among his top five teams in the NFL. (1:35)

Clark gives tough love to the Rams after two-game slide (1:35)

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. -- The Los Angeles Rams have signed veteran running back C.J. Anderson.

The move comes after the Rams waived receiver Pharoh Cooper, who last season made the Pro Bowl as a kick returner.

Anderson is expected to provide needed depth at running back through the final two regular-season games and the playoffs.

Todd Gurley II was temporarily sidelined Sunday night against the Philadelphia Eagles and is considered day-to-day because of inflammation in his knee, Rams coach Sean McVay said.

Gurley's most trusted backup, Malcolm Brown, was placed on injured reserve after he suffered a clavicle injury in Week 13.

Against the Eagles, the Rams relied on second-year pro Justin Davis and rookie John Kelly to back up Gurley. But Davis suffered a shoulder injury and is listed as day-to-day, and Kelly -- a sixth-round pick who was inactive through 12 games -- appeared overwhelmed when inserted.

Anderson spent five seasons with the Denver Broncos before he signed a one-year deal worth $1.75 million with the Carolina Panthers during the offseason.

The Panthers released Anderson on Nov. 12. He joined the Oakland Raiders for a week before he was released.

A former Pro Bowl selection, Anderson has rushed for 3,155 yards and 20 touchdowns in his six-year career.

Cooper, whom the Rams selected in the fourth round of the 2016 draft from South Carolina, was placed on injured reserve after he underwent ankle surgery following a Week 1 victory over the Raiders.

Following receiver Cooper Kupp's season-ending injury, Cooper was activated in Week 11 and took over as kickoff returner, while JoJo Natson remained as punt returner.

Cooper, who has never had a significant presence in the Rams' passing game, averaged a league-best 27.4 yards on kick returns last season but just 21.3 yards on 13 kickoffs this season.