Rams preseason roster battles Bennett vs Simpson and Bailey odds
The Rams preseason roster battles boil down to a short checklist of names rather than a full 90-man audition, and Thursday’s finale will decide a handful of fates for Stetson Bennett, Ty Simpson, Kyren Williams, Blake Corum, Ronnie Rivers and Wesley Bailey.
Local reporting from Turf Show Times notes most of the roster is set and the game functions as a job interview for players who can change the 53-man picture.
Key Takeaways
- Stetson Bennett remains the listed backup but Ty Simpson closed the gap after his Kansas City breakout.
- Kyren Williams, Blake Corum and Ronnie Rivers project as the top three running backs, while a fourth spot is unsettled.
- Wesley Bailey projects as a practice-squad candidate with roster risk tied to waiver claims.
- Offensive-line depth is unsettled with Alaric Jackson facing a possible suspension and Keagen Trost likely to miss the start.
Backup quarterback battle Bennett vs Simpson
The most visible duel in the finale is the backup quarterback competition between Stetson Bennett and rookie Ty Simpson. Bennett still holds the official backup role behind Matthew Stafford, but Simpson’s Kansas City showing tightened the race.
Bennett’s recent play includes throws that have sailed or arrived behind receivers, which raises concern about his accuracy in tight-window relief situations. Coaches will be watching patterns of accuracy and ball placement rather than isolated box-score moments.
Simpson has shown pinpoint accuracy on short and intermediate throws during his limited preseason reps, but he needs consistent success on throws beyond 20 yards to fully close the evaluators’ checklist. The finale’s play-calling and willingness to target deeper attempts could be decisive for his projection as a long-term understudy.
Running back depth and practice squad candidates
Los Angeles appears set at the top end of the depth chart with Kyren Williams, Blake Corum and Ronnie Rivers occupying the primary roles. Whether the Rams carry a fourth back into the regular season remains an open question.
Jarquez Hunter, Dean Connors and Jordan Waters produced positive preseason tape and could force a roster puzzle. The plausible strategy is to release several standouts and try to stash one or two on the practice squad if they clear waivers.
If the Rams opt for four running backs, there is no clear front-runner among the challengers; Hunter profiles as a physical, speed-capable option while Connors’ best production has come as a receiving mismatch against linebackers and nickel defenders.
Offensive line depth and reserve candidacies
Reserve offensive-line spots carry elevated importance given a possible Alaric Jackson suspension and Keagen Trost’s likely missed start. Justin Dedich’s return to practice improves the depth picture but uncertainty remains.
Two names to monitor closely are Bill Murray and Austin Blaske, both of whom saw preseason work. The reporting leans toward Blaske if the Rams keep a surprise lineman, since he has experience at both tackle spots and short-term need is steeper at tackle than inside.
Roster construction and waiver strategy
The Rams’ likely approach is surgical: release several preseason standouts and attempt to stash the most promising on the practice squad if they clear waivers. That method preserves established starters while keeping developmental options available.
Wesley Bailey exemplifies the roster-risk dynamic because he projects more as a practice-squad candidate unless the Rams protect him on the 53-man roster due to fear of a waiver claim. Los Angeles’ recent experience losing a standout reserve on waivers makes that consideration real for management.
Keeping a surprise reserve like Austin Blaske would change roster math elsewhere and could force a trim at another depth position. Final decisions will balance short-term injury insurance with longer-term developmental priorities.
Roster depth comparison and verified context table
| Position | Incumbent status | Bubble and notes |
|---|---|---|
| Quarterback | Stetson Bennett listed as the backup behind Matthew Stafford | Ty Simpson is the rookie challenger with accurate short/intermediate throws but needs proof on passes beyond 20 yards |
| Running back | Kyren Williams, Blake Corum and Ronnie Rivers projected as the top three | Jarquez Hunter, Dean Connors and Jordan Waters produced positive preseason tape and could be released then stashed on the practice squad |
| Offensive line | First-line depth intact but reserve roles unsettled | Alaric Jackson faces a possible suspension; Keagen Trost likely to miss the start; Justin Dedich returned to practice; Austin Blaske and Bill Murray are bubble names |
SEC roster construction and recruiting implications
NFL roster and waiver strategies like stash-and-claim can influence how high-major college programs frame pro pathways when recruiting prospects, especially for running backs and offensive linemen weighing immediate playing time versus pro opportunity.
For SEC prospects and staff, the visibility of practice-squad routes and the risk of losing players on waivers may factor into NIL messaging and roster development plans as programs pitch professional development alongside college playing time.
Featured preseason photo credited to Harry How/Getty Images
