The Los Angeles Rams are entering the 2026 NFL season with a significant question mark at the backup quarterback position, a situation that could jeopardize their Super Bowl aspirations. With 38-year-old Matthew Stafford managing a staggered workload and a history of back issues, the team is relying on Stetson Bennett and Ty Simpson, neither of whom has appeared in an NFL game, to be ready if Stafford is sidelined.
Rams coach Sean McVay acknowledged the team is using training camp to provide additional reps for Bennett and Simpson, who are alternating with the first and second units. However, through the initial week of camp, neither quarterback has definitively demonstrated the capability to step in and confidently lead the offense.
"It benefits two things where it gives them reps that they wouldn’t get otherwise," McVay said. "But opportunity only matters if it leads to answers. And so far, it hasn’t."
Despite flashes of potential from both players, including Bennett's familiarity with the Rams' system and Simpson's hinted long-term upside, uneven performances have raised concerns. The team's depth at the critical quarterback position appears thin, and any extended absence from Stafford could significantly impact a roster built for immediate contention.
Across the NFL, the drop-off from starter to backup is often substantial. However, for the Rams, with a championship-caliber roster and slim margins for error in a competitive NFC, the stakes are particularly high. Last season, the difference between hosting the NFC Championship Game and a playoff exit came down to a few crucial plays, highlighting the importance of every position, especially backup quarterback.
In 2025, Stafford played 98% of the offensive snaps, with the primary backup, Jimmy Garoppolo, only entering games to take a knee. This scenario is becoming increasingly rare in a league where injuries to starting quarterbacks are common, as evidenced by significant missed time for Joe Burrow, Brock Purdy, and Jayden Daniels in the previous season. Only 11 quarterbacks started all 17 games.
The upcoming preseason games against the Chiefs and Saints will be crucial, as Stafford is not expected to play. These games will offer the first real test for Bennett and Simpson under pressure, without the protection of red practice jerseys. The threat of being hit, rather than the simulated pressure of practice, will expose their timing, instincts, and poise.
Beyond the current roster, the Rams might need to explore external options if Bennett and Simpson do not prove themselves. Garoppolo remains a potential, albeit semi-retired, option. Derek Carr could also be considered, as could Aidan O'Connell from the Raiders, depending on his situation in Las Vegas.
The Rams' current strategy is a significant gamble. If Bennett and Simpson cannot adequately fill in should Stafford miss time, it could unravel a season with championship aspirations. The team needs to find definitive answers soon, as the margin for error is minimal in the current NFL landscape.