5 reasons why the LA Rams will salvage rookie QB Stetson Bennett's NFL career in 2024

The return on investment for the LA Rams' drafting rookie quarterback Stetson Bennett has been nothing so far. The Rams wanted to invest in a young and raw quarterback to develop over the course of the 2023 NFL season and leverage that development and growth to fill a backup quarterback role for the team in the future. But there is a problem with that strategy. The backup quarterback needs to be available to train and develop.

Well here we are, heading into Week 17 of the Rams schedule, and the LA Rams have held rookie QB Stetson Bennett on the NFI/IR list all season. Whatever the reason for his status to be on the IR list all season, the result is undeniable. Because the Rams cannot work out or with any player on injured reserve, that players development has effectively been placed on ice.

That could be fatal to the ongoing relationship between the LA Rams and QB Stetson Bennett.

But before we all suit up in our Fantasy Football GM gear and nod in a no-dog-in-the-race manner when the question of whether or not the LA Rams should cut their losses with Stetson Bennett, let's stop, look, and listen. The Rams have had multiple occasions when the team has stood behind young players who struggled early in their NFL careers. So why should Stetson Bennett be any different?

In the end, the guy missed his rookie season. If you think back, LA Rams featured RB Kyren Williams missed almost his entire rookie season thanks to two poorly timed injuries. WR Tutu Atwell needed several years before finding his niche in the Rams offense. Interior offensive lineman Logan Bruss is still working out the bugs to get his NFL career underway.

Even veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford was only able to play in 13 games in his first two NFL seasons. So the fact that Stetson Bennett has missed his rookie season as a roadblock to his NFL career is more about falling short of fans expectations than a true barrier that he cannot overcome in 2024.

But there are other reasons why some believe that he won't be back in 2024. Let's address those primary reasons one-by-one:

Why believe Rams will try to salvage QB Stetson Bennett's NFL career in 2024?

1. V: Rams may not need to draft a QB early in 2024
2. IV: Rams 2023 rookie class is built on long-shots who love to play football
3. III: Don't question his mental toughness
4. II: Bennett has beaten the odds throughout his football career
5. I: Rams HC Sean McVay loves Stetson Bennett