Sean McVay Not Ready to Name Winner of Rams’ Backup Quarterback Battle

The Los Angeles Rams practiced on Monday for the first time since their preseason game against the Saints. Heading into the Saints’ game, there was a lot of discussion and focus around the battle for the backup quarterback position. Stetson Bennett seemed to answer that call with his performance, but it’s certainly something that will be a focal point as the Rams get closer to the regular season.

Throughout much of the offseason, Bennett had taken most, if not all, of the backup quarterback reps behind Matthew Stafford over Ty Simpson. However, that changed last week following Simpson’s standout performance against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Simpson split reps during the joint practice with the Saints on Thursday. After Bennett only played two drives in the preseason opener, the two quarterbacks each played one full half against the Saints. On Monday, Bennett took nine of the 15 reps while Simpson took six. It’s been a much more even split recently.

Rams Aren’t Ready to Name a Backup Quarterback

While Bennett performed well against the Saints, throwing for 181 yards and rushing for two touchdowns, it doesn’t appear as if the coaching staff is ready to make a decision on the backup quarterback spot. The longer the Rams wait, the more the pressure will build to make a decision.

Head coach Sean McVay was asked whether a decision had been made and if that had been communicated to either quarterback.

“No, absolutely not,” said McVay. “We haven't talked about that or decided that yet. We can talk about it, but we haven't decided that yet.”

It’s possible that the Rams are waiting to see if Simpson will overtake Bennett by the end of the preseason. The rookie has certainly closed the gap, and their numbers are extremely close. At this point, the only edge Bennett seems to have is his experience in the offense.

Rams QB preseason stats...

Stetson Bennett: 23/37 (62.2%), 219 yds, 5.9 YPA, 2 total TDs, 78.5 passer rating, 69.2 PFF Grade

Ty Simpson: 29/37 (78.4%), 263 yds, 7.1 YPA, 2 TDs, 114. 3 passer rating, 65.8 PFF Grade

Through two games, it is VERY close.
— Blaine Grisak 💭 (@BGMediaOnSI) August 23, 2026

How Will Rams Divide QB Reps Against Chargers?

The second preseason game against the Saints was an even 50-50 split between Bennett and Simpson. It truly felt like an open competition. However, that may not be the case against the Los Angeles Chargers in the finale.

McVay confirmed on Monday that Simpson would play against the Chargers, but did not say the same about Bennett. The uncertainty surrounding the rotation was similar to the situation before the Chiefs game.

“I don't know exactly how I'm going to allocate those reps,” said McVay. “We’ve got two guys who have played really good football throughout the course of camp and stuff like that. And I'll tell you what, Matthew Caldwell has got some stuff to him too. But the point I'm making is I have not decided on what that approach is.”

As much as many want the Rams to have a quarterback competition, it’s very likely not going to be won over a single preseason game. The Rams have seen Simpson and Bennett grow over the course of training camp and practices during the week.

At this point, it’s about which quarterback benefits most from the live-game reps during the preseason. Right now, that is undoubtedly Simpson. Simpson had limited playing experience at Alabama, with just one season as the starter. He has more to gain from live-game reps, especially given that he’s the team’s future at the position. As McVay mentioned, Matthew Caldwell can be thrown in that conversation as well.

Stetson Bennett May Have Nothing Left to Prove

We’ll see what McVay decides, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see Simpson play the entire first half or first three quarters, with Caldwell closing out the game. The Rams generally know what they have in Bennett. Against the Saints, he showed he can operate the offense efficiently with a more extended look.

There doesn’t seem to be anything more for Bennett to prove. Following a middling performance against the Chiefs, he bounced back in a big way on Saturday. That could factor into McVay’s decision on whether or not he plays against the Chargers.

“I thought he made good decisions, had some good opportunities and was pleased with the two-minute,” said McVay. “The fourth-down conversion was an unbelievable play, and two rushes for two touchdowns, being able to use his legs. I thought there was a lot of good stuff there.”

The Rams have not yet decided on their quarterback rotation for Saturday’s game or who will be the backup quarterback. If Bennett sits while Simpson gets another extended opportunity, it could indicate that the Rams already feel comfortable entering the season with Bennett as Stafford’s backup and want to maximize Simpson’s reps.

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