Jarquez Hunter went off Saturday, running for 68 yards at a sizzling 5.7 per carry against the New Orleans Saints, and he’s officially staking his claim to leapfrog Ronnie Rivers for that crucial third-string running back spot. This wasn’t just some garbage-time stat padding either, the second-year back showcased the burst, speed, and power that made him a top college prospect and a fourth-round pick in 2025. It was a joy to watch the Rams deliver a 34-0 throttling of the Saints, and after Saturday, the initial 53-man roster is starting to snap into focus.
Hunter Takes Control in the Backfield
Look, Rivers not playing Saturday doesn’t exactly guarantee him a spot, especially when you remember he only played three snaps last year and didn’t even make the opening 53. Hunter, on the other hand, made his 40 snaps count. He really flashed those traits, a heady combination of power and speed that’s exactly what you want from your depth runners. Jordan Waters also stacked another good performance, showing off that competitive north/south running style we saw in the 2025 preseason. Dean Conners didn’t get much work, logging just six snaps, which is tough to read, but the Rams only ran 26 offensive plays in the second half. Still, Hunter’s performance was the standout; he’s clearly got the edge right now for that RB3 spot.
Quarterback Questions and a Wide-Open WR Race
At quarterback, Matthew Stafford is in, no surprise there. Ty Simpson and Stetson Bennett are also locked in, but the third string battle got interesting. It was Bennett’s turn in the limelight, playing 51 snaps to Simpson’s 28. He put up four scores in five possessions, which is stellar efficiency, but his accuracy still looks a bit off, especially when throwing outside or leading receivers, where the ball tends to float. He did a nice job making plays with his feet, and his precision is better between the numbers. Simpson didn’t play badly, just not as sterling as he did in Week 1. As for wide receiver, Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, Jordan Whittington, and Konata Mumpford are in. Xavier Smith is likely, after sitting out Saturday following a solid Week 1. The real battle is for that final roster spot, with CJ Daniels, Brennan Presley, and Tyler Scott still alive. They all looked sharp, so picking the WR6 will probably come down to a fan’s personal preference.
With a short week looming, the Rams’ preseason finale on Thursday is the last chance for these bubble players to make their case. Every snap, every catch, every run means something, and these guys are playing for their careers. Who locks down those final spots? We’ll know soon enough.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Turf Show Times.
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