Rams backup QB competition heats up ahead of Saints preseason game
3 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Aug 22, 2026, 11:19 PM
Last updated Aug 22, 2026
The Rams are set to face the Saints in a preseason game on Saturday at SoFi Stadium, featuring a critical battle for the backup quarterback position between Stetson Bennett and Ty Simpson. With Matthew Stafford resting, both players aim to prove their worth as the team prepares to trim its roster to 53 by August 30. Simpson, a first-round pick, impressed in the first preseason game against the Chiefs, while Bennett enters the contest seeking to solidify his role despite never having thrown a pass in regular-season NFL action. Saturday's game could clarify the competition for the backup role as both quarterbacks are expected to see significant playtime.
- •Bennett and Simpson are competing to back up Matthew Stafford.
- •Simpson completed 21 of 25 passes for 190 yards against the Chiefs.
- •Rams roster cuts to 53 players are due by August 30.
- •Bennett is expected to start against the Saints.
- •Other players are also fighting for secure roster spots.
- 12:50 AMYahoo Sports — Who were the Rams winners & losers from Preseason Week 2?
- 11:19 PMYahoo Sports — Rams shut out Saints as Stetson Bennett, CJ Daniels put on a preseason show
- 11:14 PMYahoo Sports — Stetson Bennett looks sharp, Saints' backup QBs don't separate in Rams' 34-0 preseason win
- 1:30 PMYahoo Sports — Rams backup QB battle proves there’s more at stake against Saints
"Stetson Bennett passed for 181 yards and rushed for two TDs while leading the Rams to a 20-point halftime lead Saturday, and Los Angeles cruised to a 34-0 preseason victory over the New Orleans Saints. Bennett went 19 of 31 while playing the entire first half for the Rams (2-0) before rookie Ty Simpson finished up. Bennett is the Rams' presumptive backup to NFL MVP Matthew Stafford this season despite never playing in a regular-season game, but the former University of Georgia star turned in another in his history of strong preseason performances during his four seasons on the LA roster.
"Stetson Bennett capitalizes on extended playing time, leading four scoring drives and rushing for two touchdowns in the Rams' 34-0 preseason win over the Saints.
"Stetson Bennett and Ty Simpson battle to back up Matthew Stafford as several Rams fight for their roster lives against the Saints at SoFi Stadium.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 23, 2026, 12:50 AMWho were the Rams winners & losers from Preseason Week 2?
Rams offense led by Stetson Bennett, Jarquez Hunter, and CJ Daniels dominate Saints in Week 2 of preseason
- Yahoo SportsAug 22, 2026, 11:19 PMRams shut out Saints as Stetson Bennett, CJ Daniels put on a preseason show
Stetson Bennett capitalizes on extended playing time, leading four scoring drives and rushing for two touchdowns in the Rams' 34-0 preseason win over the Saints.
- Yahoo SportsAug 22, 2026, 11:14 PMStetson Bennett looks sharp, Saints' backup QBs don't separate in Rams' 34-0 preseason win
Stetson Bennett passed for 181 yards and rushed for two TDs while leading the Rams to a 20-point halftime lead Saturday, and Los Angeles cruised to a 34-0 preseason victory over the New Orleans Saints. Bennett went 19 of 31 while playing the entire first half for the Rams (2-0) before rookie Ty Simpson finished up. Bennett is the Rams' presumptive backup to NFL MVP Matthew Stafford this season despite never playing in a regular-season game, but the former University of Georgia star turned in another in his history of strong preseason performances during his four seasons on the LA roster.
- Yahoo SportsAug 22, 2026, 1:30 PMRams backup QB battle proves there’s more at stake against Saints
Stetson Bennett and Ty Simpson battle to back up Matthew Stafford as several Rams fight for their roster lives against the Saints at SoFi Stadium.
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