Rams rookie quarterback Ty Simpson will make his preseason debut on Saturday against the Chiefs. But he will not be Los Angeles’ first signal-caller up.
Via multiple reporters, head coach Sean McVay said in his Thursday press conference that Stetson Bennett will start the preseason opener.
Bennett, a fourth-round pick in 2023, is currently in line to serve as Matthew Stafford’s backup, as Jimmy Garoppolo was not re-signed in free agency — though Garoppolo is still available.
Bennett has not yet appeared in a regular-season game. Last year, he completed 69 percent of his passes for 512 yards with five touchdowns and two interceptions in the preseason, good for a 105.7 passer rating.
Simpson is set to come in at some point after Bennett. The Rams also have rookie Matthew Caldwell on their roster at QB.
The Rams have not played starters in the preseason under McVay for the vast majority of his tenure with the team.
Additionally, McVay noted offensive coordinator Nate Scheelhaase will serve as the offensive play-caller for the Saturday’s game. McVay handles those duties for L.A. in the regular season.