The Rams’ preseason finale against the Chargers on Thursday night isn’t some casual run-through for the whole squad. Seriously, Sean McVay’s just trying to keep his main guys healthy. This game is a hardcore job interview for a select few, specifically six names who are fighting for their careers right now. Forget the 90-man roster; this is about the desperate scramble for the last spots.
The Backup QB Battle Just Got Real
Listen up, because the situation at backup quarterback for the Rams has completely flipped. It used to be Stetson Bennett’s job, plain and simple, backing up Matthew Stafford. But that grip has been loosening fast, especially since rookie Ty Simpson absolutely blew up in Kansas City. Yeah, Bennett’s box score against the Saints looked good in the second preseason game, but don’t be fooled. Go throw-for-throw and it was anything but positive. The ball was sailing on Bennett last week, and he’s consistently throwing behind his receivers. That’s a serious problem if you want an efficient offense.
Now, for Simpson, the question is simple: Will the Rams actually let him air it out beyond 20 yards? He’s been pinpoint accurate on short and intermediate throws, which is awesome. But to officially dethrone Bennett and lock down that understudy role for Stafford, he’s gotta prove he can hit the deep ball consistently while maintaining that accuracy. This is the last box he needs to check, and it’s happening right now.
Running Back Logjam and OL Uncertainty
McVay and the Rams have been clear: the top three running backs are set with Kyren Williams, Blake Corum, and Ronnie Rivers. But here’s the kicker: they might not even keep a fourth running back. Jarquez Hunter, Dean Connors, and Jordan Waters have all had positive preseason performances, and honestly, it’s creating a good problem. The Rams could just release all three and then stash one or two on the practice squad. This roster is talented and super competitive, so they might have to get creative to keep their absolute best 53 players. If they *do* keep four backs, it’s a dead heat between Hunter, who’s a physical presence with top-end speed, and Connors, whose best production has been as a receiver. That versatility is a nice change of pace from the top three.
And don’t even get me started on the offensive line depth, because it’s looking shaky. Alaric Jackson is facing a possible suspension, and rookie Keagen Trost will likely miss the start of the regular season due to injury. Justin Dedich did return to practice this week, which is something. But heading into cutdown day, that offensive line depth feels really uncertain. Keep an eye on Bill Murray and Austin Blaske. If the Rams surprise us and keep an extra O-lineman, Blaske is my pick. The rookie undrafted free agent has played both tackle spots well in preseason, and a short-term need at tackle is more urgent than at guard.
So yeah, Thursday night isn’t just another game. For Bennett, Simpson, Hunter, Connors, Murray, and Blaske, this is make-or-break time. Their NFL dreams ride on what they do when that final buzzer sounds.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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