The Los Angeles Rams are in a precarious position as they head into training camp, with uncertainty surrounding the backup quarterback role behind Matthew Stafford. As seen in a trending post on r/nfl, both rookie Ty Simpson and second-year quarterback Stetson Bennett are vying for the position, but neither has managed to distinguish themselves so far.
Why it matters: The Rams' quarterback situation is under scrutiny as Stafford, 38, continues to manage a degenerative back issue that limited him last training camp. With the team considering the backup role a "significant void," the performance of Simpson and Bennett will be closely monitored.
Stafford's health issues raise concerns about his availability throughout the season, impacting the Rams' playoff chances.
Both Simpson and Bennett have struggled to stand out in practice, which could jeopardize the team's depth at quarterback.
With veteran Jimmy Garoppolo contemplating retirement, the Rams may need to rely on one of these unproven players sooner than expected.
Driving the news: The backup quarterback race heated up after the Rams selected Ty Simpson with the No. 13 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Head coach Sean McVay emphasized the competition between Simpson and Bennett, who took the first reps during minicamp practices missed by Stafford.
Neither quarterback has made a strong impression, with reports indicating they both struggled with basic routes and lacked production.
McVay's strategy appears to hinge on finding a reliable backup, especially with the potential for Stafford to miss time due to injury.
The Rams previously sought to re-sign Garoppolo, but his retirement decision complicates their plans.
State of play: As of late June, the Rams are facing an uphill battle in solidifying their quarterback depth chart.
Bennett, a fourth-round pick in 2023, has yet to take a regular-season snap, adding to the uncertainty.
Simpson, coming off a promising college career, is viewed as the future but lacks experience at the professional level.
Both quarterbacks will receive developmental reps in training camp, but their performance needs to improve significantly to inspire confidence.
The big picture: The Rams' decision to draft Simpson indicates their long-term vision, but immediate concerns remain.
Stafford's MVP-winning performance last season masks his injury issues, making the backup situation even more pressing.
With Garoppolo's potential exit, the Rams must quickly decide if they can trust either Simpson or Bennett to perform if Stafford is sidelined.
The team's playoff aspirations depend heavily on the health of their starting quarterback and the readiness of their backups.
What they're saying: Analysts and insiders have mixed opinions on the Rams' quarterback situation.
Nate Atkins of The Athletic remarked, "Neither Bennett nor Simpson were able to stand out ahead of the other," highlighting the lack of separation in their performances.
McVay's earlier comments suggested confidence in Stafford, but the pressure to find a capable backup remains high.
"The Rams are taking a big gamble behind Matthew Stafford," noted Heavy.com, emphasizing the risks involved.
By the numbers: The Rams' quarterback situation reflects broader trends in the NFL.
Stafford's age (38) and injury history make his backup role increasingly important for the Rams' future.
Last season, Stafford nearly missed the start due to his back issues, raising alarms about his durability.
Garoppolo's experience includes 63 starts, a stark comparison to Simpson and Bennett's combined lack of regular-season snaps.
Between the lines: The Rams' strategy appears to be a mix of short-term necessity and long-term planning.
Simpson's selection signals the team's intent to develop a successor for Stafford, but immediate results are needed.
McVay’s insistence on the importance of the backup role suggests he recognizes the potential consequences of Stafford's injuries.
With training camp around the corner, both quarterbacks have a chance to prove themselves, but time is running short.
What's next: The Rams will enter training camp with heightened expectations for their quarterbacks.
As practices begin, both Simpson and Bennett will have opportunities to take first-team reps and showcase their skills.
How they perform in the coming weeks will likely determine who secures the backup spot behind Stafford.
Fans and analysts alike will follow closely closely to see if either quarterback can rise to the occasion and alleviate concerns about depth.
The Rams' quarterback situation is one of the most closely watched narratives heading into the 2026 season, with the stakes higher than ever for a franchise aiming to contend.
This article is grounded in a discussion trending on Reddit. Claims from the original post and comments may not reflect independently verified reporting.