The Rams are done with training camp and turning the page to the preseason, which means the rookies are about to get their best shot to show what they can do before Week 1. Once the regular season starts, the snaps get tighter fast, so this month matters.
For Ty Simpson, that makes the preseason a key proving ground. Sean McVay made it clear that Simpson will play, though it’s still unknown whether he’ll get the full game the way Bennett has in the past or only a portion of it. Either way, it’s a chance for Simpson to take what he’s picked up in practice and put it on display in live action.
CJ Daniels is another rookie worth watching closely after a strong training camp. He should have a real opportunity to become a go-to option for whichever quarterback is on the field. If he keeps carrying that camp momentum into preseason games, his push for a spot in the WR3 rotation gets even stronger.
At tight end, Max Klare may have the clearest path to preseason reps. With Davis Allen out injured, the door has opened a bit.
The Rams are unlikely to use Colby Parkinson, Terrance Ferguson, or Tyler Higbee, which should leave Klare with plenty of chances early in games. That kind of exposure can mean a lot for a rookie trying to build comfort and confidence.
Keenan’s outlook is tougher. He’s buried behind Poona Ford and Ty Davis on the depth chart, and Aaron Donald could still be returning. That doesn’t leave much room for him to make a major early impact, but it does mean the preseason should give him a lot of work.
Then there’s Trost, one of the more interesting names in the mix. Justin Dedich hurt his hand earlier this offseason, and that has left Trost as the ‘sixth man’ on the offensive line.
The Rams haven’t said much about him, and it’s still not clear whether they’ve kept him at one spot or tried him at guard and tackle. What is clear is that he should see plenty of action over the next month, and a solid showing would give the Rams some real comfort about their depth.
In Other News...
Rams Gave Fans Real Reasons To Feel Better About This Roster
A joint practice with the Cowboys gave the Rams a useful mid-August checkpoint, and it came at a time when every rep matters for a roster still taking shape. Matthew Stafford handled most of the snaps, with Stetson Bennett and Ty Simpson getting work as well, while the coaching staff got a longer look at how the offense and defense are settling in before the preseason gets into its final stretch.
The biggest takeaway, though, was on the other side of the ball, where the Rams defense showed real bite in both the pass rush and coverage. Byron Young, Trent McDuffie, Quentin Lake and Nate Landman were among the defenders who stood out, giving the team something concrete to weigh as it moves toward roster cuts and tries to sort out which pieces fit best for the regular season. [Read more 🡒]
Ty Simpsons Early Rams Struggles Could Test Fans Patience Fast
Ty Simpson arrives in Rams camp carrying the kind of label that can make every practice rep feel larger than life. As a rookie quarterback with limited collegiate experience, he is already being viewed through a developmental lens, and the early stages of training camp and preseason figures to bring plenty of scrutiny as the Rams work to see how he handles the speed and pressure of the pro game.
The plan is not to shelter him, either. Los Angeles wants to put Simpson in game-like situations and challenge him to improve quickly, knowing his growth is a long-term project rather than an instant fix. For a team that has to think about life after Matthew Stafford, the patience level around Simpson could be tested early, even if the bigger payoff is supposed to come much later. [Read more 🡒]
Rams Opener In Australia Just Added Another Massive Spotlight
The Rams season opener in Melbourne was already going to stand out as one of the most unusual settings on the NFL calendar, and now it has an even bigger entertainment angle attached to it. Los Angeles and San Francisco will meet Sept. 10 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in the leagues first regular-season game in Australia, with the matchup set to stream exclusively on Netflix.
Noah Eagle and Luke Kuechly will be on the call, but the broadcast is only part of the spectacle. The halftime show will feature a live performance by the Jonas Brothers, adding another layer of attention to a game that is already carrying a rare international spotlight for the Rams and the 49ers alike. [Read more 🡒]