Don't rule out LA Rams QB Stetson Bennett for a significant role in 2024

Who takes over the backup QB role in 2024?

If you follow the trail of breadcrumbs for the LA Rams manner in which the team had addressed their backup quarterback role so far this season, something feels a bit out of alignment. After all, the Rams started the season by making rookie QB Stetson Bennett inactive, and reportedly due to shoulder soreness. The following week, the Rams placed Bennett on the IR/NFL list under mysterious circumstances and signed reserve quarterback Brett Rypien off the practice squad to serve as the Rams' interim backup.

So what is the question? If the Rams were considering moving on from Stetson Bennett, for whatever reason, the Rams have had every opportunity to do so this season. The Rams may have simply signed a third quarterback to carry on the practice squad, or gone the way of adding a veteran quarterback to ensure adequate depth at the position.

Rams stick to the plan, until the plan fails

Instead, the Rams adhered to their original plan of going with Matthew Stafford (starting QB), Brett Rypien (backup QB) and Stetson Bennett (IR) through the first eight weeks of the season. But when Matthew Stafford injured the thumb of his throwing hand, the Rams were forced to start backup QB Brett Rypien to face the Green Bay Packers in Week 9. In order to ensure that the Rams had an emergency backup QB, the Rams re-signed former rookie QB Dresser Winn.

That didn't work out well for the Rams, as Brett Rypien completed just 13 of 28 passes for 130 yards and one interception. The Rams would only muster three points in a game that would have gone quite differently for the team if the Rams had gotten dependable play out of the quarterback position.

After that game, the Rams front office decided to sign veteran free agent quarterback Carson Wentz to the Rams roster, and immediately parted ways with both Brett Rypien and Dresser Winn.