Stetson Bennett's absence vs Chargers could hint at more than Rams' QB2 race

The Los Angeles Rams quarterback room may have been a source of preseason drama, but it ended up where everyone expected. Rookie Ty Simpson started the third and final game. Undrafted free agent Matt Caldwell saw some action. And veteran Stetson Bennett sat out.

Simpson has been the darling of Rams preseason. Those who hated his selection after the draft are rushing to go on record in support of LA's rookie quarterback. And while the endless waves of training-camp criticism were unwarranted, perhaps the preseason praise has gone a bit over the top as well. Count Good Morning Football host Manti Te'o, an ex-NFL linebacker, on the Ty Simpson bandwagon.

And during Thursday's broadcast, Chargers Hall of Fame QB Dan Fouts suggested Simpson "may be the steal of the century."

Okay, that was over the top.

Despite his reluctance to issue a formal announcement, the truth is that head coach Sean McVay doesn't have to make one. Actions speak louder than words. Sitting Bennett told fans that he has depth-chart position on Simpson. He'll be the first one to take over the offense if Matthew Stafford can't suit up.

For now, at least.

Don't rule out Rams pulling off Stetson Bennett trade

LA showed its hand when it traded running back Jarquez Hunter to the Miami Dolphins for former Rams receiver Tutu Atwell. With abundant running back talent on the team, Hunter was never going to make the roster and had no chance of clearing waivers.

So, the Rams got something for him when they would have lost Hunter to roster cuts, anyway.

Now consider the quarterback room. McVay remains unwilling to officially commit to Bennett as QB2. McVay himself asserted that he wouldn't be pigeon-holed into setting the depth chart at his post-game press conference.

While that could be coach-speak to squelch media questions on a topic he preferred not to discuss, could it also be, just maybe, a hint that other teams are inquiring into Bennett's availability trade?

Hmmm. It's all speculation right now - call it a stretch if you want - but the possibility is worth noting.

The Rams enjoyed multiple preseason stars. But now comes the difficult matter of keeping so many playmakers on a 53-man roster despite overflowing with team-worthy talent. Hunter was already traded away to avoid his outright release.

If Los Angeles entertains trade offers for Bennett, Simpson could become the default backup. And that's not necessarily a bad thing. Of course, the team could decide to carry Matt Caldwell as the third quarterback, lure back veteran Jimmy Garoppolo, or acquire a quarterback not currently on the roster.

Rams GM Les Snead is not one to rest at this time of year. Roster cutdowns loom, yes, but he's also busy running various scenarios to improve the roster. The Horns have already made one surprising trade involving Hunter. There may be more where that came from.

As always, thanks for reading.

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