As the Los Angeles Rams prepare to kick off the 2026 NFL season against the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, Australia, head coach Sean McVay has created an unexpected quarterback controversy—not over the starter, but over the backup. With Matthew Stafford firmly entrenched as QB1, McVay has listed Stetson Bennett as QB2 and Ty Simpson as QB3 on the depth chart, yet he refuses to officially name which of the two would enter the game if Stafford were to go down. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, this deliberate ambiguity marks a significant departure from recent seasons, when the Rams had a clear-cut backup in Jimmy Garoppolo.
A Fluid Situation Behind Stafford
During a press conference on September 4, McVay addressed the media with his characteristic blend of candor and gamesmanship. “We look at it as two guys,” he said. “I’ll tell you when I decide who’s going to be the actual 2 in the game. And I’ve talked to the players about it, but that’s something that they’re both going to continue to train, regardless of who ends up being up, and who’s the emergency third [QB]. I look at it as both of those guys are going to play.” McVay emphasized that the situation is fluid, noting it’s “different than previous years.” This approach is a stark contrast to last season, when Garoppolo served as the undisputed backup behind Stafford, providing a veteran safety net that the Rams no longer possess.
The 2A/2B Philosophy
McVay’s framing of Bennett and Simpson as “2A and 2B” suggests a collaborative competition rather than a traditional hierarchy. Both are young quarterbacks with limited NFL experience, and McVay acknowledged that the Rams want to ensure both receive ample practice reps. “Obviously one of the best things you can do is get out there and play football in 11-on-11 settings with pads, your eye progression, taking on some of the double-teams, different things like that,” McVay said, though his comments were more directly related to another key storyline—the potential return of defensive tackle Aaron Donald.
The Rams’ decision to keep the backup role under wraps could be a strategic move to keep the 49ers guessing, but it also underscores a genuine uncertainty. Bennett, who has spent time developing within McVay’s system, may have an edge in familiarity, while Simpson, a younger prospect, offers raw athleticism. As reported by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk, this is a developing story that bears close monitoring, especially given the high stakes of a Week 1 matchup against a formidable NFC West rival.
Context and Implications
The Rams’ quarterback situation is just one of several storylines heading into the season opener. McVay also provided updates on wide receiver Puka Nacua, who is “making good progress” from a psoas injury sustained in a joint practice with the Dallas Cowboys on August 11. Nacua returned to practice on Sunday, and his availability for Week 1 remains uncertain. Additionally, the Rams recently welcomed back wide receiver Tutu Atwell, who was acquired via a surprise trade from the Miami Dolphins. Atwell expressed his excitement, saying, “Nah, man, it don’t feel like I was gone. I’m back with my brothers, man. I just feel great and feel awesome just to be back here and with these great players and guys. I’m just excited.”
The Rams’ roster is loaded with star power, including Davante Adams and Aaron Donald, but the backup quarterback question looms large. If Stafford were to miss time, the Rams would be forced to rely on either Bennett or Simpson—both unproven at the NFL level. The team’s decision to list Bennett as the official No. 2, while McVay publicly treats them as equals, may be a motivational tactic or a genuine reflection of a tight competition. Either way, as highlighted on Vulius, this is a situation that could define the Rams’ season if the worst-case scenario unfolds.
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