Rams Set Quarterback Plan for Saturday's Preseason Opener

Jul 31, 2026; Westchester California USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Ty Simpson (15) throws the ball at training camp at Loyola Marymount University. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Rams Set Quarterback Plan for Saturday's Preseason Opener

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kevin Parrish Jr. | Last updated Aug 13, 2026 7:10 PM ET

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Two days before the Los Angeles Rams open the preseason Saturday, head coach Sean McVay revealed the plans at quarterback.

Stetson Bennett will start against the Kansas City Chiefs, with offensive coordinator Nathan Scheelaase calling the plays, all while McVay operates as head coach.

McVay had already made it known Simpson, the Rams' 2026 first-round draft pick, would play in the preseason. Simpson didn't receive an ideal set of reps during training camp, a common situation for rookies on Super Bowl contenders. But the preseason games will let Simpson grow, while sharing a quarterback room with a future Hall of Famer.

Bennett, meanwhile, has impressed. He also has strong grasp of the playbook. People wondered whether the QB2 competition was over once it appeared he might receive zero preseason snaps, especially after former backup Jimmy Garoppolo sat out the previous two.

Aug 11, 2026; Woodland Hills, CA, USA;Los Angeles Rams quarterback Stetson Bennett IV (13) throws the ball during a joint practice against the Dallas Cowboys at the Rams Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

That is not case. Bennett remains ahead in the competition, but McVay’s decision to play him shows the battle is not over. There is still more to see, this time in live action against different teams and schemes.

Sean McVay speaks on QB2 competition

After announcing the decision, McVay touched on what he wants to see from his quarterbacks this weekend.

Aug 11, 2026; Woodland Hills, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay reacts during a joint practice against the Dallas Cowboys at the Rams Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

“Good command from both those guys, McVay said, “consistently making good decisions. Playing within the timing and rhythm of whatever play that Nate decides to call. I want to see us get in and outside of the huddle; good communication, there will be a lot of different guys that will be rotating in. But I want Stetson to do what he’s done and I want Ty to do what he’s done as well. It’ll be fun to watch those guys play.”

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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