The Rams will test out both of their backup quarterback options in today’s preseason opener against the Chiefs. With Matthew Stafford resting along with all of the Rams starters, Stetson Bennett will get the first crack at QB, but first-round rookie Ty Simpson will get plenty of run, too.
Coach Sean McVay was initially unsure of whether Bennett would play in this game but ended up deciding to start him. Bennett has consistently worked as the No. 2 quarterback in training camp behind Stafford, with Simpson getting only sparing reps as the third-stringer.
Bennett appears to have the inside track to the No. 2 role, but today will offer a chance for Simpson to make his statement in the battle. The Rams drafted Simpson at No. 13 overall out of Alabama to be the future heir to Stafford, but when he’ll get a chance to see the field in a regular season game is what remains up in the air.
“I think just good command by both those guys, consistently making good decisions, playing within the timing and rhythm,” McVay said he’ll be watching for. “… I want to see us get in and out of the huddle, good communication.”
The Rams are looking for a backup quarterback to succeed Jimmy Garoppolo, who remains a free agent as he has been weighing a decision on whether or not to retire. It’s an important role to the Rams, not only because Stafford is 38 years old with a degenerative back issue but also because Stafford is missing two out of every four practices, and Los Angeles values the role of the backup in keeping the offense operational and consistent in a way that can develop younger players within it.
