Rams 1st unofficial depth chart holds unexpected surprises worth discussing

Quarterback

Starter: Matthew Stafford

Backup: Jimmy Garoppolo

Others in line: Stetson Bennett, Dresser Winn

While this is as expected, the presentation is a bit misleading. For openers, the team is entering the 2024 NFL season knowing that Jimmy Garoppolo is suspended for two games. For all intents and purposes, unless injured, second-year quarterback Stetson Bennett will serve as the backup quarterback for those two games.

The biggest question with the quarterback position is how will the team handle the workload through preseason games? The team has set up dual tracks to test starters and key rotational players via joint practices and scrimmages, while allowing true backup players to compete in preseason games. But how will the team handle the unique situation where Jimmy Garoppolo, the designated backup quarterback, will be away from the team for two weeks. Should the Rams give him preseason work, to ensure that he stays sharp during his hiatus?

And If the team leans to sitting Garoppolo, does it place unnecessary risk on backup quarterback Stetson Bennett, who will be tasked with backing up Stafford for the first two games of the season?

Where does the team draw a line in the sand in terms of who does, and who does not, appear in preseason games? It could eventually become a staggered distribution of offensive snaps. In essence, the team could start preseason games with Jimmy Garoppolo, insert backup quarterback Stetson Bennett for the second and third quarters, and finish off games with young developmental quarterback Dresser Winn.

Minimizing the risk to key players is a wise goal. But in doing so, the team cannot amplify the risk to other key players who are also expected to fill key roles this season.