Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay has characterized the team's backup quarterback situation as a "2A and 2B" competition between veteran Stetson Bennett and rookie Ty Simpson, despite Bennett being listed as the primary backup on the team's initial depth chart. McVay stated on Friday that both players will see action as backups.
While the official depth chart designates Bennett as the No. 2 quarterback and Simpson as No. 3, McVay clarified that he views them as interchangeable backups. This approach contrasts with previous seasons, where veteran Jimmy Garoppolo held the clear backup role behind Matthew Stafford for two years. Bennett, who spent last season as the Rams' emergency quarterback, is now in a more active backup role.
McVay indicated that Simpson is likely being positioned as the emergency third-string quarterback to facilitate his long-term development, suggesting the team is prioritizing his future growth over immediate impact. However, this designation could change rapidly if starting quarterback Matthew Stafford were to face a significant injury.
Simpson made a notable impression during the preseason, completing 47 of 60 passes for 382 yards and three touchdowns without any interceptions or sacks. McVay acknowledged that the final decision on who will be the primary backup in game situations is still to be determined, emphasizing that both players will continue to train for the role regardless of the official game-day designation.
"I look at it as you like both of those are going to play," McVay said. "But you saw we listed Stetson as the two, Ty as the three. But I look at it as 2A and 2B."