As the Los Angeles Rams close out their preseason against the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday night, the game itself is less about the final score and more about the roster decisions that will shape the team's 53-man squad. With the regular season opener just weeks away, head coach Sean McVay has already made it clear that most starters will be resting, turning this into a final audition for a select few. As highlighted on Vulius, the real intrigue lies in the performances of six key players who could either secure their spot or find themselves on the waiver wire.
Quarterback Battle: Stetson Bennett vs. Ty Simpson
The most compelling storyline is the backup quarterback competition behind Matthew Stafford. Stetson Bennett, who has been the presumed backup, saw his grip loosen after rookie Ty Simpson's breakout game against the Chiefs. While Bennett's box score numbers were decent in the second preseason game, his accuracy has been inconsistent, with several throws sailing behind receivers. Simpson, on the other hand, has been pinpoint accurate on short and intermediate routes. The final test for Simpson is whether he can hit the deep ball, which would solidify his case to be Stafford's primary understudy.
Running Back Depth: Jarquez Hunter and Dean Connors
The Rams are set at the top three running back spots with Kyren Williams, Blake Corum, and Ronnie Rivers. The question is whether they'll keep a fourth. Jarquez Hunter and Dean Connors have both impressed in preseason, but with limited roster spots, the team may opt to stash one on the practice squad. Hunter brings a physical, downhill running style, while Connors has shown versatility as a receiver out of the backfield. Thursday night could be their final chance to prove they belong on the active roster.
Offensive Line Uncertainty: Austin Blaske and Bill Murray
With Alaric Jackson facing a potential suspension and rookie Keagen Trost likely missing the start of the season, the offensive line depth is a concern. Among the players fighting for a spot, Austin Blaske has stood out by performing well at both tackle positions in the preseason. The Rams have a more pressing need at tackle, which gives Blaske an edge over Bill Murray. If the team decides to keep a surprise player on the line, Blaske could be the right man at the right time.
Edge Rusher Wesley Bailey's Long Shot
Wesley Bailey faces an uphill battle to make the roster, given the Rams' depth at edge rusher with Myles Garrett, Byron Young, Josaiah Stewart, and Desjuan Johnson. Despite recording 10 pressures against the Saints, Bailey's performance came against a backup offensive line, and his extended playing time suggests the coaching staff wasn't overly impressed. More likely, Bailey is a practice squad candidate unless another team tries to claim him. The Rams are cautious after losing Willie Lampkin to waivers last year, but Bailey would need another standout game to force their hand.
As the final whistle blows on the preseason, these six players will have made their case. For the rest, it's about putting positive film out there for other teams. The real drama unfolds as the roster is trimmed, and Vulius will be here to break down every move.
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