5 winners and 4 losers in Rams' preseason finale vs Chargers

Players on the Los Angeles Rams roster know that playing in the third preseason game means one of three things:

1. Rookies are playing to gain experience for the upcoming season.
2. Newly arrived veterans are giving one last effort to make the team.
3. A cast of passionate NFLers who won't make the roster are trying out for any team that may need their services.

Thursday night at SoFi Stadium, the Rams hung on for another victory. They end the preseason with a record of 3-0.

For many participants, it's tough to be motivated knowing that at game's end, the next activity will be an exit meeting with the coaching staff. With that, here are Game 3's winners and losers.

5 winners and 4 losers from Rams' Week 3 preseason victory

Punter Ethan Evans (Loser)

Rams special teams were anything but special in 2025. On Thursday, Evans averaging just 33.5 gross yards on his first two punts was not the type of preseason finale that fans hoped to see. That alarming average occurred after Evans shanked one for a mere 24 yards, which set up the Chargers for a field goal.

Evans ended the game with four punts for 154 yards. That works out to a gross average of less than 40 per punt. Throw out the shank and that's still a mediocre 43.3. No bueno.

Running back Jordan Waters (Loser)

On 2nd-and-goal from the three-yard line, Waters was unable to punch it in despite getting three straight carries. At the end of the first quarter, he had seven runs for six yards. That's not going to cut it.

He did recover later in the game, gaining 25 yards on a run around the left end. But by that point, Dean Connors had put on a prize performance.

Safety Tanner Ingle and cornerback Cam Lampkin (Losers)

While both defensive backs have made positive plays this preseason, they were both out of position as Justin Herbert tossed a 65-yard touchdown pass to receiver Quentin Johnston. Had either been in the right place, they would have tackled Johnston with still easily outside the end zone.

Lampkin was out of position again late in the second quarter, allowing another huge Chargers completion. Of course, he did end the first half with a sack. So there's that.

Defensive lineman Bill Norton (winner)

Why should the Rams give Norton a closer look? Well, at 6-foot-6, Norton is a quarterback's nightmare as soon as he raises his hands. Against the Chargers, he broke up a Herbert pass in the first quarter; he also batted a pass last week against the Saints. Norton has been a Steady-Freddy throughout the preseason.

Running back Dean Connors (winner)

Trading running back Jarquez Hunter was a lot easier with surge of the undrafted rookie Connors. Connors may not make the active roster, but he will be signed to the practice squad (if he's not claimed off waivers). He is a versatile, productive, and passionate offensive weapon.

Wide receiver Brennan Presley (winner)

Presley was the only player to score a touchdown in the first half, catching all five passes thrown his way. By the end of the third quarter, he had six catches on six targets for 32 yards and a TD. Keep in mind that he faced starting cornerbacks and safeties for much of the game.

Edge rusher Darryl Peterson III (Winner)

Peterson logged the first sack in this one. Competing among a crowded room as an undrafted rookie edge rusher, he'll now hope for a stint on the practice squad. His five-tackle, two-sack performance should be enough for LA to keep him around. He added a fumble recovery and two tackles for loss.

Quarterback Ty Simpson (Winner)

Despite facing the Bolts' starting secondary, Simpson showed up hot and accurate for the Horns. Simpson played the entire first half and finished the game completing 18 of 23 passes for 119 yards, one touchdown, no interceptions, and no sacks.

As always, thanks so much for reading.

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