Rams' healthy Week 1 scratches indicates clear stance on their rookies

After that disastrous performance by the players who participated, perhaps it's worth revisiting who populated the Los Angeles Rams' inactive report before kickoff against the 49ers, as it could indicate what's to come later this season. The Rams sat Aaron Donald, which fans already knew, but take a look at the other names of healthy Week 1 scratches:

1. Wide receiver CJ Daniels
2. Tight end Max Klare
3. Quarterback Ty Simpson (emergency QB3)
4. Wide receiver Tutu Atwell
4. Interior offensive lineman Bill Murray

What to make of this? Well, the most obvious conclusion is the absence of any rookies in the game. That's right, no Rams rookie had a chance to contribute in this one.

That's mildly surprising, if predictable when examining the depth chart, after the fuss so many made about the Rams failing to draft an offensive playmaker instead of Simpson.

Ty Simpson leads Rams rookies sitting out Week 1

Th Rams sat all three healthy rookies in this one. Rookie tackle Keagan Trost was already out on injured reserve. At some point they'll want to let younger players gain vital experience - so many big-name starters are pending free agents, and some will need replacements next season - but head coach Sean McVay and his staff decided today was not the time.

Of course, this was a huge game. But insulating rookies in bubble wrap won't be sustainable. The Rams still have to keep one eye on developing young players for future roles, so it will be interesting to see how much leash, if any, they allot to the rookie class moving forward.

Sure, some players had to sit out. But sitting out every rookie sends a clear message. It tells them all that they are simply not good enough yet. It's a tough-love message to send.

Of course, no rookies aside from those on the Rams' and 49ers' rosters opened their season in Melbourne, Australia. But in the debate over whether Simpson or Bennett is Matthew Stafford's backup, Bennett is the winner.

With a chance to promote young players, Los Angeles opted to stash them on the bench while elevating safety Tanner Ingle from the practice squad. The decision was unlikely to move the needle much either way in Week 1, but it'll be worth watching how the Rams handle their rookies throughout a 17-game season.

As always, thanks for reading.

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