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The Los Angeles Rams have had several major storylines heading into their final preseason game Thursday, just two days away. One of the biggest: Who will be the backup quarterback, fourth-year Stetson Bennett or rookie Ty Simpson?
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Head coach Sean McVay hasn’t answered that question yet, but he did reveal the 53-man roster will carry three quarterbacks. Having two solid options, Bennett and Simpson, to back up Matthew Stafford in 2026, is a nice problem to have.
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“We feel fortunate that you got two guys that we believe in, feel really good about,” McVay told reporters on Tuesday. “One of those guys will be the backup in Australia.”
Stafford turned a training camp back injury into an MVP award last season. But what happens if the 38-year-old reinjures his back or suffers another injury, the kind that’s already cost him 11 regular-season games since joining the Rams in 2021?
The Rams, operating under Super Bowl expectations, need a backup who won’t cost them a win. Stafford started every game in 2025, but the team can’t count on a repeat in 2026.
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Simpson and Bennett have each had their moment in the quarterback competition. Simpson stood out in the preseason opener against the Kansas City Chiefs, while Bennett had his in Week 2 against the New Orleans Saints.
Bennett is more experienced, but Simpson was drafted in April as the future franchise quarterback and could be ready to back up Stafford this season. If not, the Rams still have Bennett. He’s too valuable to release after his jump this offseason and looks more ready than ever to step into Jimmy Garoppolo’s old role.
McVay told reporters on Tuesday that Simpson will play Thursday, a given, since the rookie needs continued reps. Bennett’s status for the preseason finale is still to be determined.
McVay’s decision will come down to who gives the Rams the best shot at the Super Bowl again.
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This story was originally published August 25, 2026 at 9:06 PM.