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Sean McVay's Answer at Backup QB: Both of Them
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- Sean McVay's Answer at Backup QB: Both of Them
When NFL teams enter the season with three quarterbacks, it usually breaks down into a clear-cut starter, a primary backup who can step in after an injury or benching, and an emergency option who sees the field if the first two can't go.
The Los Angeles Rams enter 2026 with that same setup, with a twist. Matthew Stafford, the reigning MVP, is the starter, while Stetson Bennett, a four-year veteran, and rookie Ty Simpson round out the group. The difference is the Rams have two players sharing the No. 2 job, according to head coach Sean McVay, rather than a settled pecking order behind Stafford.
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There is a depth chart. Ahead of next week's season opener against the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, Australia, Bennett is listed second and Simpson third . McVay has stopped short of making that official .
Sean McVay calls his backup QB duo 2A and 2B
Aug 22, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Stetson Bennett IV (13) throws the ball against the New Orleans Saints in the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Aug 30, 2026; Woodland Hills, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Ty Simpson (15) at practice at the Rams Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
"I'll tell you when I decide who is going to be the actual two in the game," McVay said. "I've talked to the players about it, but that's something that they're both going to continue to train regardless of who it ends up being up and who is the
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There's a case for both quarterbacks. Bennett has the experience and a better grasp of the playbook . He's grown more confident running the offense since training camp, and it showed in his preseason play, especially in the season finale against the New Orleans Saints. That growth might be enough to convince McVay he can step in if Stafford misses time with an injury.
Then there's Ty Simpson. He started camp taking fewer snaps while learning the playbook and peppering Stafford and Bennett with questions. But the preseason told a different story , as Simpson showed why the Rams used a first-round pick on him. He throws with accuracy, moves well in and around the pocket and makes good decisions. The rookie also does a great job of not forcing anything, always taking what the defense gives.
The decision matters. Stafford will turn 39 next year and has a history of injuries, though he managed to stay healthy last season after dealing with a back injury during training camp. In a Super Bowl-or-bust season, The Rams have to be prepared in case Stafford goes down, that means turning to the four-year veteran or quarterback of the future.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Sep 5, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
