The Rams appear to be sending a pretty clear message in their quarterback competition: Stetson Bennett is ahead of Ty Simpson, at least for now.
Bennett has been getting more practice reps than Simpson all training camp, and that trend continued this week after his strong showing in the Rams’ second preseason game. With only one preseason game left, the workload split suggests Bennett may be moving into the backup quarterback spot behind Matthew Stafford.
Stetson Bennett was first up with the second-team offense. Ty Simpson also took some second-team reps.
- Gary Klein (@LATimesklein) August 24, 2026
The race looked tighter early on. Simpson impressed in the Rams’ first preseason game two weeks ago and had plenty of people around the league calling him the obvious choice to back up Stafford this season. Bennett answered in a big way in the second game.
Instead of playing only the first two series, Bennett stayed on the field for the entire first half and helped push the Rams to a 20-0 halftime lead. He finished 19 of 31 for 181 yards and added two rushing touchdowns.
Simpson played the entire second half and went 8 of 12 for 73 yards. He didn’t throw a touchdown or run for one.
After the game, Sean McVay praised Bennett, and the practice reps this week backed that up. Bennett remains listed ahead of Simpson on the depth chart in the second-team work, and with Thursday’s preseason finale approaching, it’s not even clear whether he’ll play.
That final decision matters a lot for Bennett’s future. His contract expires after this season, and the Rams will have to decide whether to re-sign him or let him reach free agency. Another strong performance could help him make his case for a new deal.
He also needs to prove it to the rest of the league. If the Rams move on, Bennett would need to show enough to make himself a real option for another team next offseason. If he doesn’t get on the field Thursday, this could be his last game action before that process begins.
For Bennett, the biggest immediate goal is simple: stay in the backup role this season. If Stafford were to go down, Bennett would finally get a chance to play meaningful regular-season snaps in the NFL. And if he handles that opportunity well, it could set him up nicely for next offseason.
Whether he gets one more preseason shot on Thursday is still unresolved.
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