Is LA Rams starting quarterback Matthew Stafford playing today?

Here we are. The first preseason game for the LA Rams happens today. And yet, how much of the regular season truly rests on the outcome of this one? Not as much as we may wish to think. The Rams coaching staff under Head Coach Sean McVay has taken a rather conservative approach to preseason football games in that he sits his starters for all three games.

And many of his key rotational and backup veterans as well.

That is not like the approach that Kansas City Chiefs HC Andy Reid takes. 'Big Reg' prefers to give his starters a quarter or two of work to open the Chiefs' preseason to ensure that all starters have the right cadence and playing speed to start the NFL season. And I have to admit that winning a pair of Super Bowls in consecutive seasons certainly has convinced other teams that are hopeful of success this season to follow suit.

Just don't expect the Rams to do so.

Who will play for the Rams at quarterback in the preseason opener?

The LA Rams have a rather crowded and talented quarterback room this season. So let's break down who plays the position for the team, and give you the chances of playing in the preseason home game:

1. QB Matthew Stafford - While the Rams will start the season with veteran QB Matthew Stafford, there is no chance that he plays in preseason games. The team believes that joint scrimmages and practices (two have already taken place so far) will give Stafford and other starters enough game-like simulation and experience to prepare for the regular season.
2. QB Jimmy Garoppolo - Facing a two-game suspension to open the season, everyone projects the former 49ers-turned-Raiders-turned Rams quarterback to take over the backup QB role for the team through Weeks 3 through 18. Coach McVay had indicated that he is unlikely to play against the Dallas Cowboys in preseason Game 1. But he also explained that he would be open to doing so if Jimmy G. asked to play to get additional work.
3. QB Stetson Bennett - Second-year former Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett will get the lion's share of preseason work, including the most likely quarterback to start in preseason Game 1 against the Dallas Cowboys. Bennett it the primary backup in Weeks 1 and 2, so the team would love to see his command of the vanilla offense in both running the group and making plays if and when the play breaks down. This is Bennett's second season of preseason work with the team, so he should have both comfort and familiarity running all of the dials and wheels to make the team move the football and score some points.
4. QB Dresser Winn - While also back for his second season with the team, Dresser Winn will likely see limited action in this first preseason game. That may be taking over in the second half for Bennett to as little as closing out the final offensive set of downs for the team. As preseason rolls into Games 2 and 3, Winn's role could escalate as the team earmarks an even greater number of players not to compete in future preseason games.

Fans will almost certainly see a lot of Stetson Bennett in Game 1 of the preseason. In his first preseason game in 2023, Bennett put on a rather impressive performance. completing 17 of 29 passes for 191 yards and a touchdown. He also scrambled twice for two yards. Both the coaches and Rams fans hope that he can replicate that type for performance in this year's preseason.

UPDATE:

According to the NFL Network, fans will get to see veteran backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo in the game today. That's a better decision, as he has not looked crisp and sharp so far. And after preseason, he will serve a two-game suspension that will not only keep him from playing in the first two regular season games, but will prohibit him from participating in any team-related activities.

NFL Network reported that Jimmy Garoppolo will play today.

Rams HC Sean McVay made it clear that the option to play Jimmy G in the preseason was up to the player. I am glad and thankful that he has elected to compete today. Not only does that mean he will get badly needed work before serving his suspension, but elevates preseason participation from 'roster bubble' players to truly a competitive tune up for the team. I think fans will love what they see from both Jimmy Garoppolo and Stetson Bennett today.

We'll soon see whether that happens.

Thanks for reading.