WOODLAND HILLS, Calif. - The Rams were back on the field Tuesday with the New Orleans Saints and the final stretch of preseason in view, and this week’s joint practice and preseason game could go a long way toward settling a few roster fights.
A few things stood out.
Start with the depth at linebacker. Los Angeles already has plenty of talent on the edge, but the middle had looked like a possible weak spot.
That worry didn’t last long. Grant Stuard looked like a useful answer in the interior, and he made the play of the day by jumping a quick pass from Stetson Bennett and taking it all the way.
It was a rough afternoon for Bennett overall, with another interception coming on a pick by Alex Johnson, while Stuard seemed to be everywhere. He gave off the same kind of feel Nate Landman did last year, and he looked comfortable doing it.
Matthew Stafford also looked dialed in. With Puka Nacua not on the field, Stafford spread the ball around and looked completely in command.
His reads came fast, his decisions were clean, and he was sharp working the outside. He also pushed the ball downfield when the look was there.
In short, he looked ready to go.
Jordan Whittington kept making his case, too. If he carries this into the season, Rams fans could see plenty of him.
His timing with Stafford was right on, and he looked like a natural fill-in for Nacua. Konata Mumpfield had a solid day as well, but Whittington was the one moving, creating, and showing the kind of ball-in-his-hands ability that can earn more designed touches as the season wears on.
At minimum, he looked like a real WR3. The next test is seeing it against another team.
Tight end Terrance Ferguson also appears to be ahead of the curve. Last season, his receiving ability was already obvious, but his blocking has taken a clear step.
He’s more willing to throw his body around in the run game, and that matters in Sean McVay’s offense. Ferguson looks like someone who can handle the physical part of the job, moving defensive backs and holding up against linebackers and defensive linemen.
He still has room to grow, but he’s stronger and still just as agile as he was in 2025. That’s a dangerous combination.
The biggest concern may still be up front. The linemen who were out there did their job, but the real issue is who isn’t fully back yet.
Justin Dedich and Keagan Trost are working their way back from injury, and that leaves the Rams with a major question: who fills in for them, and can those players hold up? That answer is still coming, and it’s one of the bigger things to watch as the preseason moves along.
In Other News...
Saints Got An Early Warning Against A Serious NFC Contender
The joint practice in Los Angeles offered the Saints an early look at just how sharp the Rams can be when their offense is clicking. Matthew Stafford looked comfortable and efficient, with Davante Adams emerging as a clear problem for New Orleans to sort through, while tight end Terrance Ferguson and receivers Konata Mumpfield and Jordan Whittington also found ways to make plays. Puka Nacua was out, but the rest of the Rams' passing group still gave the Saints plenty to process.
There was some unevenness behind Stafford, with backup quarterbacks Stetson Bennett and Ty Simpson both working through rough stretches before settling in a bit, and Bennett appearing slightly ahead of Simpson. On the other side of the ball, Josaiah Stewart made his presence felt as a disruptive defender, while punter Ethan Evans had some accuracy concerns that stood out. For the Saints, it was the kind of practice that can be useful not just because of what was done well, but because it showed where a contender can still expose openings. [Read more 🡒]
Saints Suddenly Need More From Bryce Lance Than Expected
Bryce Lance did a little more than just take advantage of a busy joint practice against the Rams. The rookie receiver caught all five of his targets and hauled in two touchdown passes from Tyler Shough, a showing that stood out in a session where New Orleans was looking for signs of depth and reliability from its younger pass-catchers. Head coach Kellen Moore singled out Lances contested catches against talented defenders, a notable compliment for a player trying to carve out a larger role early.
The opportunity may be arriving sooner than the Saints expected. With Jordyn Tyson dealing with a hamstring injury that could keep him out for about two months, Lance suddenly looks like someone New Orleans may need to lean on in games, not just in practice. For a rookie, that shifts the conversation from development to responsibility, and it gives the Saints another reason to keep watching whether the flashes he showed against Los Angeles can carry over when the stakes rise. [Read more 🡒]
Saints Fans Will Recognize Plenty In Devin Neals New Number
As the Saints head toward their Sept. 13 opener against the Lions, Devin Neal is already carrying a number that will look familiar to long-time fans. The rookie running back, battling for the third spot in New Orleans backfield, will wear No. 24, a jersey that has had plenty of life in black and gold over the years.
It is a number with a traceable Saints history, worn by 25 other players before Neal. For fans who like connecting new names to old ones, it offers an easy little bridge between eras, especially with training camp roster battles still unfolding and the season opener still just ahead. [Read more 🡒]