Stetson Bennett has yet to earn Rams' confidence in backup QB battle

In 2025, Los Angeles Rams quarterback Stetson Bennett played the entirety of two preseason games and sat out the third. He completed 44 of 64 passes for 512 yards, five touchdowns, and two interceptions in two games. This year, with less work, he has completed 23 of 37 passes for 219 yards, no touchdowns, and no interceptions.

But that may not be enough to sit him in the final preseason game.

Los Angeles did not play veteran backup Jimmy Garoppolo last preseason. He didn't need the work. After all, he has appeared in 85 games with 64 starts. Bennett has never appeared in a regular-season game. Like it or not, he needs all the work he can get.

Bennett has done what he needs to this summer. Despite not getting as much work in preseason, he has shown up well enough when given the opportunity. But he had mixed results in the Rams' two joint practices with Dallas and New Orleans. Head coach Sean McVay's indecision on the primary backup screams trouble.

Stetson Bennett has not locked in his role as Rams QB2

Like most teams, the Rams value the importance of a quality QB2. While McVay settled for backups like John Wolford and Bryce Perkins in the past, he raised the bar dramatically in 2021 when he lobbied hard to trade then-starter Jared Goff and multiple picks to the Detroit Lions for Matthew Stafford.

Since then, LA has insisted upon veterans to back up Stafford. In recent seasons, the Rams signed Baker Mayfield, Carson Wentz, and finally Garoppolo. In 2026, they opted to stick with the untested Bennett and rookies Ty Simpson and Matt Caldwell.

Could McVay be regretting that decision?

Bennett played very well against the New Orleans Saints in the second preseason game. While not throwing a touchdown pass, he rushed for two in a dominant 34-0 win. Bennett left the game at halftime with a 20-0 lead.

So why isn't McVay endorsing Bennett as his QB2? McVay sees beyond box score and holds his quarterbacks to a higher standard. And he does not have an easy choice. While Bennett is the veteran, Simpson's skyrocketing stock has earned him consideration.

Also worth noting: Bennett is on an expiring contract. Simpson is here for the next four years, at a minimum.

However the Rams resolve their quarterback questions, one thing has become clear. Bennett has not earned McVay's confidence. And that is something fans should keep in mind as the season unfolds.

As always, thanks for reading.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow