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Stetson Bennett started the first preseason game, but played only two series.
Rookie Ty Simpson played the rest of the way — and produced one of the NFL’s best performances by a quarterback.
So the biggest question for the Rams going into Saturday’s preseason game against the New Orleans Saints is whether coach Sean McVay will modify the plan for the two players competing to back up Matthew Stafford.
Bennett, a fourth-year pro, displayed and played with confidence throughout training camp and preseason practices. But his first series against the Kansas City Chiefs — which came against many defensive starters — went three and out. In his final series, he completed four of five passes during a field-goal drive.
Follow along for the latest news on the Rams as they prepare for the season ahead in their quest to win the Super Bowl on home turf in February.
On came Simpson, the 13th pick in the NFL draft.
Simpson completed 21 of 25 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns.
“Even when you just say, ‘All right, looking at last week, Ty did a great job. Stetson did what he could,’” McVay said, “I think it is important to be able to get a fair opportunity for those guys to run the offense with enough snaps.”
Bennett has played in seven preseason games, but has never taken a regular-season snap. Before the game against the Chiefs, he took most of the second-team reps in a joint practice with the Dallas Cowboys. On Thursday, Bennett and Simpson split snaps during a joint practice with the Saints.
“Some of the things that his game can really come to life might not necessarily be felt in these practice settings because he’s got those legs where he can really be able to create off-schedule,” McVay said of Bennett, adding, “You’ve got great athleticism so it’s really more of just continuing to evaluate him and getting him a chance.”
Here are other things to watch Saturday when the Rams play the Saints at SoFi Stadium at 1 p.m. PDT (CBS):
The Rams selected Hunter in the fourth round of the 2025 draft, envisioning the former Auburn standout as a breakaway threat.
On a team with running backs Kyren Williams, Blake Corum and the versatile Ronnie Rivers, Hunter is aiming to make an impression — if coaches do not hold him out.