The Rams are heading into a useful little stress test this week, and it comes in two parts.
First up is a joint practice with the New Orleans Saints on Thursday, August 20. Then comes the second preseason game on Saturday, August 22, at 1:00 PM PT. For Los Angeles, it’s a chance to sort through a roster that still has a few unresolved spots while the calendar keeps moving toward the regular season.
The setup the Rams are using is pretty clear by now: starters and important rotational players are kept on a short leash in joint practices, working through scripted reps, while the bubble guys and rookies get their real chances in preseason games. This week is the only time both groups will be facing the same opponent.
That matters because there are still names worth watching. Myles Garrett and Puka Nacua have both been limited lately because of injury issues, and the joint work with New Orleans will be tailored for backups at those spots. Edge rusher Josaiah Stewart is also trying to keep forcing his way into a bigger role.
On the offensive side, Xavier Smith is looking to build on what he did in his preseason debut. He could line up alongside Jordan Whittington and Konata Mumpfield against the Saints’ secondary. All three are expected to make the active roster, but how much they play this season may depend on how they finish out August.
Los Angeles has already shown a few different things in the preseason. The defense has been the more reliable side so far. The offense started slow against Dallas in the joint session, then eventually woke up and finished stronger.
There’s also roster tea leaves to read in preseason game two. The Rams gave away some clues in the opener by holding out defensive lineman Tyler Davis, linebackers Shaun Dolac and Grant Stuard, and running back Ronnie Rivers. If those same players sit again, that would be a strong sign they’ve already locked up spots.
And then there’s the group that flashed against the Chiefs. The backup offensive linemen stood out, and that helped fuel eye-catching performances from quarterback Ty Simpson, running back Dean Conners, and tight end Max Klare. The question now is whether they can back it up with another showing that turns heads.
In Other News...
Rams Backup QB Battle Just Got More Real For Stetson Bennett
Stetson Bennett got the first crack in the Rams preseason opener, starting ahead of rookie Ty Simpson and completing 4 of 6 passes for 38 yards. A recent joint practice made it clear that the competition is still live, though, as Bennett and Simpson split second-team reps while Los Angeles worked through a limited practice slate and tried to make the most of every look it could get.
Sean McVay said the split was about evaluation, not a finished decision, and he was careful not to hand Bennett the backup job just yet. For a Rams team trying to sort out quarterback depth before the regular season, the battle behind Matthew Stafford still has some runway left, and Bennett will have to keep answering every chance he gets. [Read more 🡒]
Rams Backup QB Battle Suddenly Feels Far Less Settled
What looked like a straightforward backup quarterback job in Rams camp has turned into something a little more interesting. Stetson Bennett entered training camp and the preseason as the clear No. 2 behind Matthew Stafford, but rookie Ty Simpson has kept making enough noise to force a longer look, especially after his strong showing against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Sean McVay has said the recent split in practice reps is tied to there simply being fewer snaps available, but the timing still matters. A competition that once seemed settled now feels more open, and for a team that values order at quarterback, even a modest change in the rotation can say plenty about where the conversation is headed. [Read more 🡒]
Rams Offense May Lean On One Risky Bet Early
Training camp is wrapped, and the Rams head into the regular season with plenty to feel good about on offense. Davante Adams gives them another proven target, Kyren Williams remains a central part of the attack and the group still has the look of a unit built to stress defenses in a hurry.
Puka Nacuas situation is the part that could complicate the early weeks. He is dealing with groin soreness and is also facing possible NFL discipline, even though no suspension has been finalized, which puts extra attention on the Rams receiver and running back depth. If Nacua is slowed or unavailable, the team may have to lean on less tested options to keep the explosive plays coming. [Read more 🡒]