Former Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Stetson Bennett concluded his 2026 NFL preseason without playing in the Los Angeles Rams’ 20-18 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. Bennett watched as first-round pick rookie quarterback Ty Simpson got a lot of playing time.
Simpson completed 18 of 23 passes for 119 passing yards and a touchdown. He showed off his ability to extend plays on the touchdown pass.
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Rams coach Sean McVay shared that Los Angeles’ backup quarterback race is not over after the Rams’ win over the Chargers. Bennett not having to play in the preseason, like NFL MVP Matthew Stafford, is probably a good sign for his QB2 hopes, but Simpson did a good job of operating the Rams’ offense this preseason and avoided turnovers.
Bennett finishes the preseason completing 19 of 31 passes (61.3%) for 181 yards. He did not throw any touchdowns or interceptions, but he did have a pair of rushing touchdowns.
Simpson finishes the preseason completing 26 of 35 passes (74.3%) for 192 yards. Simpson had one touchdown pass and added six rushes for 20 yards.
Bennett has more years of experience in McVay’s system, but the Rams invested a first-round pick in Simpson, who they view as the quarterback of the future. The NFL’s roster cut deadline is on Sunday, Aug. 30. Both Simpson and Bennett are locks to make the Rams’ 53-man roster after Los Angeles announced it would keep three quarterbacks.
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The only question left is who will be the Rams’ backup quarterback in Week 1 of the regular season.
