Rams rest 42 players in preseason as roster spots tighten
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 23, 2026, 5:16 PM
Last updated Aug 23, 2026

The Los Angeles Rams are sitting 42 players during preseason games, focusing on preserving their core for the upcoming season. Coach Sean McVay's strategy emphasizes resting established players, which has led to significant absences. As a result, only a limited number of roster spots remain available for competition among backups and newcomers. With final roster decisions approaching, players such as Ronnie Rivers and Xavier Smith are expected to return, while others like Zech McPhearson, who showed promise, will not see action. As the Rams prepare for regular-season cuts, the implications of these absences will become clearer.
- •42 Rams players are not participating in preseason games.
- •Sean McVay is prioritizing player rest over preseason performance.
- •Limited roster spots available as cuts approach.
- •Ronnie Rivers and Xavier Smith may return to action soon.
- •Zech McPhearson performed well but is currently sidelined.
- 5:16 PMYahoo Sports — Who hasn’t played in Rams preseason?
"In McVay’s system, it’s not how you play in the preseason that counts; it’s who doesn’t play. 42 Rams are sitting out.
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