McVay still undecided on Stafford’s backup
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay remains undecided on who will serve as the primary backup to quarterback Matthew Stafford.
Velocity
How fast coverage is spreading — measured hourly from article rate × source diversity. How this works →
The brief
The Los Angeles Rams are currently facing a decision regarding their roster depth at the quarterback position. Head coach Sean McVay has stated that he is still undecided on who will serve as the backup to starter Matthew Stafford. The competition for the QB2 role primarily involves Stetson Bennett IV and rookie quarterback Ty Simpson. While the final decision is pending, the team is utilizing preseason opportunities to evaluate both players. According to reporting from NBC Sports, Ty Simpson is guaranteed to play in the preseason finale, which will provide further data for the coaching staff before the final roster cuts are made. Coverage of the situation is widespread across several sports media outlets.
NBC Sports has highlighted McVay's indecision and Simpson's upcoming playing time in the final preseason game. CBS Sports specifically reports that the decision regarding Stetson Bennett's role as the backup quarterback remains undetermined. Meanwhile, Yahoo Sports notes that while Ty Simpson has performed well in recent outings, he appears to be trailing Bennett in the hierarchy for the backup position. Additionally, Rams Wire reports that the distribution of practice repetitions is providing hints regarding which player is currently leading the competition for the job. This situation is critical because the backup quarterback must be prepared to step in for Matthew Stafford to maintain the team's offensive stability. The contrast between the candidates is a key point of interest: Stetson Bennett IV is an established presence on the roster, whereas Ty Simpson is a rookie attempting to climb the depth chart.
The tension between Simpson's positive play during the preseason and Bennett's perceived lead in the battle creates a dynamic where the coaching staff must weigh current momentum against historical performance and experience within the Rams' system. Observers are now focusing on the upcoming preseason finale to see if Ty Simpson can close the gap. Based on the reports from NBC Sports, this game will be a definitive appearance for the rookie. The final determination by Sean McVay will depend on the results of this game and the patterns of practice reps cited by Rams Wire.
Synthesized by PULSE from the headlines below under a strict no-invention contract. ✓ fact-checked: unsupported claims removed (94% supported) Updated 2h ago.
Quick answers
Who are the main candidates for the Rams' backup QB position?
The competition is between Stetson Bennett IV and rookie Ty Simpson.
Will Ty Simpson play in the final preseason game?
Yes, according to NBC Sports, Ty Simpson will "definitely" play in the preseason finale.
What has Yahoo Sports noted about Ty Simpson's standing?
Yahoo Sports reports that while Simpson has played well, he seems to be well behind Stetson Bennett IV.
Coverage (5)
- Practice reps hint at who is leading Rams' backup QB battle Rams Wire · 6h ago
- Rams' Stetson Bennett: Decision on QB2 job still undetermined CBS Sports · 6h ago
- Ty Simpson will "definitely" play preseason finale, Sean McVay undecided on backup QB NBC Sports · 6h ago
- NFL Preseason Blitz: Rams rookie QB Ty Simpson plays well again, but seems well behind Stetson Bennett IV Yahoo Sports · 6h ago
- McVay still undecided on Stafford’s backup NBC Sports · 6h ago
Topics
Related trends
Harbaugh: 'Reasonable to assume' Nabers will be ready for opener
New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh suggests Malik Nabers is on track to play in the season opener against the Dallas Cowboys.
NFL Preseason Week 2 Fantasy Football Takeaways: Ashton Jeanty injury uncertainty dominates headlines
Fantasy football strategies are shifting following NFL Preseason Week 2, with a primary focus on the status of standout performer Ashton Jeanty.
Police close case into death of Ed Oliver's son; no criminal findings
Police have closed the investigation into the death of Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver's two-year-old son, ruling the incident accidental.
Jalen Ramsey says "pay Joey Porter"
NFL star Jalen Ramsey advocates for Joey Porter Jr. as contract extension negotiations between the player and the Pittsburgh Steelers stall.
Disney and NFL Team Up on Apparel Collection, Pairing Each of the League’s 32 Teams With Beloved Franchise Characters
Disney and the NFL have launched a collaborative apparel collection pairing all 32 league teams with iconic franchise characters.
Michael Penix participates, and everything else you need to know from Monday’s Falcons practice
Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has returned to full-team work during the Atlanta Falcons' Monday practice session.