McVay said Carrier looked good in his first practice with Los Angeles, showing some of his positional flexabilty. And because Carrier is already well versed in the offensive system, he'll be able to contribute alongside Tyler Higbee and Gerald Everett in many of the same ways Temarrick Hemingway would have prior to his injury.

"He can play in-line, he can play in the backfield at some of those move spots that you see us utilize — some of the tight ends," McVay said. "I think when you add him to the mix with Tyler and with Gerald's emergence, you feel good about those three, especially knowing how important and how valuable Temarrick was to us. So we feel very fortunate to be able to add a player like Derek."

And the tight end has had a favorable impression of the new teammates in his room.

"Great group of guys. They all bring something different to the table, whether it's being great in the run game and pass game," Carrier said. "That's kind of something I've liked to do as part of my career — kind of grab things from people that I've learned from along the way, and try to incorporate that into any own game. So it's a great learning environment."

Carrier described himself as an "all-around tight end," adding, "I take pride at being at the point of attack in the run game, and being able to make plays in the passing game. I try to do everything to the best of my ability."

He's looking forward to working with McVay once again, saying he has a "great admiration and respect" for the head coach.

"Just a great coach, great person," Carrier said of McVay. "Knows how to relate to players and knows how to coach, get through to guys. And, like I said, just a great overall guy."

Carrier's whirlwind few days will let up a bit with Los Angeles' day off on Tuesday. But being in a Rams uniform for Sunday's game agains the Colts should have him feeling centered once again.