Jimmy Garoppolo
Getty
Los Angeles Ram QB Jimmy Garoppolo
Quarterback Matthew Stafford hasn’t been training with the Los Angeles Rams during training camp due to a back injury.
While it is expected that Stafford is ready to play week one, the backups have the opportunity to show up in the preseason in case Stafford isn’t healthy by then.
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox names the backup quarterback as a reason to watch the Rams’ first preseason game.
“The Los Angeles Rams and their backup QB situation is far more fascinating. They are expected to be contenders in the NFC, but there’s a non-zero chance they’ll need to get by in the early season without a fully healthy Matthew Stafford,” Knox wrote. “According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the veteran is dealing with an aggravated disc in his back and is considered week to week.”
“While backup Jimmy Garoppolo may not suit up—he didn’t play at all last preseason—fans (and the Rams) should get another look at Stetson Bennett and Dresser Winn. Ideally, they’ll never be counted on in the regular season, but if Stafford’s injury concerns linger, the depth of L.A.’s QB room will become an interesting topic.”
Jimmy Garoppolo and Stetson Bennett
Jimmy Garoppolo Stetson Bennett
GettyLA Rams QBs Jimmy Garoppolo and Stetson Bennett
The primary battle for the backup spot will be between Jimmy G and Stetson Bennett.
Garoppolo didn’t play last preseason, but with Stafford being hurt, the Rams may put Jimmy G in for a few drives during the preseason to build on the field chemistry.
Having multiple seasons under his belt and playing in the Super Bowl, Jimmy G appears as the clear-cut favorite to win the backup (and potential starting) position.
Head coach Sean McVay praised Garoppolo and said that he believes Jimmy is a starting-caliber quarterback.
Bennett has yet to play an NFL snap since being drafted two years ago. McVay mentioned that the former Georgia Bulldog can “do some pretty creative stuff” when things go “off schedule.”
With the opportunity to prove himself on the field during the preseason, Bennett could put himself higher on the QB depth chart.
Affirming Quarterback Spot
GettyLos Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (center)
The Rams’ coaching staff and medical team are being cautious with starting quarterback Matthew Stafford in training camp and preseason.
Sean McVay affirmed that if that season had begun, Stafford would be on the field.
“What I do think is important, if this was in season, he would be playing right now,” McVay said. “We have taken a very cautious approach, but if we’re playing a game this week, he would be playing in the game.”
With a month to go before the start of the regular season, Matthew Stafford appears on track to be ready to go. But if his back continues to plague him throughout the season, Jimmy Garoppolo or Stetson Bennett should be ready to fill in immediately.