New Orleans Saints at Los Angeles Rams: Live Score, Game Stats

Rams cornerback Trent McDuffie (22) makes a catch against the Saints during a joint practice. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

After the Rams and Saints had a productive joint practice on Thursday, don’t expect to see many starters on the field for their preseason matchup Saturday at SoFi Stadium.

But there are still many storylines to follow for this preseason Week 2 clash in Los Angeles. Here’s what to watch for: 

Rams’ QB2 battle

All eyes will be on what Ty Simpson does to top his sensational preseason debut. Simpson went 21-of-25 for 190 yards and two touchdowns against the Chiefs last week. 

Perhaps that performance in Kansas City was good enough to convince Rams coach Sean McVay to start his rookie first-round quarterback against the Saints, but that doesn’t seem likely with the team still hoping to see more from backup Stetson Bennett. 

Still, Simpson is climbing the QB depth chart and could now have a real shot at taking the No. 2 job from Bennett, the fourth-year signal-caller with no regular-season experience.

If Simpson tops what he did last week, the Rams might need to ramp up their developmental plan for this year’s No. 13 pick. 

Saints need skill players to step up 

New Orleans is hurting on the offensive side with a handful of skill players sidelined due to injury, including rookie receiver Jordyn Tyson and veteran running back Alvin Kamara.

The Saints still have their top option at wide receiver in Chris Olave and at running back with free-agent addition Travis Etienne Jr., but this team needs more players to step up.

Saturday’s preseason matchup presents a golden opportunity for players on the roster bubble and those looking for more snaps.

Running back Kendre Miller has been inconsistent since the Saints took him in the third round of the 2023 draft. But he’s healthy, and maybe he’ll make the most of the extra work against the Rams. 

We could also see a lot of rookie fourth-round wideout Bryce Lance, who’s had a strong training camp. 

Too many tight ends in L.A.

With a logjam at tight end, some players at the position might be auditioning to stay on the team. 

It would be shocking to see the Rams trade one of their top tight ends, but it’s also difficult to see them keep five tight ends on the initial 53-man roster. 

L.A. has veterans Tyler Higbee, Colby Parkinson, Davis Allen, second-year player Terrance Ferguson and rookie Max Klare.

If the Rams keep all five players, that could mean difficult decisions at other positions. This is the downside of having a stacked roster. The Rams’ backups have plenty to do to make this roster. 

---

---

---

---