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One of the best and most comprehensive features we offer every year is our Footballguys Preseason Updates. Every week this month, Bob Henry, Jason Wood, Clayton Gray, and their team of Footballguys Staffers cover every player that matters from every NFL team. It's 32-plus pages of some of the most comprehensive coverage you'll find. It's probably worth the Footballguys Premium Subscription by itself.
Updates from Week 4
If you're in a hurry, check out Joe Bryant's Preseason Insights: What You Need To Know This Week.
Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks
Throughout camp, there has been no question that this is Matthew Stafford’s team, with Jimmy Garoppolo as his backup. The most significant intrigue has been whether Stetson Bennett could do enough to lock down the No. 2 quarterback job while Garoppolo serves a two-game suspension. Sean McVay confirmed Bennett had earned the role following the final preseason game. The Rams held joint practices with the Texans and their young quarterback, C.J. Stroud. Stroud has praised Stafford this offseason as one of the top players in the NFL during multiple media appearances. The respect is not lost on Stafford, who reflected on having similar feelings for Brett Favre and Peyton Manning when he started his career: “This position is hard. It’s humbling. It’s difficult. There are ups and downs. Guys that have played this position for a long time know you must stick together and pull for each other, so I’m pulling for those guys.” Stafford practiced in full against the Texans after a minor hamstring scare last week.
Preseason Updates: Running Backs
Kyren Williams, Blake Corum, and Ronnie Rivers sat out against the Texans, as their roster spots are safe. Zach Evans and Boston Scott handled most of the work during the preseason. The team has already announced Scott's release. Evans waits to see if the Rams keep three or four running backs on the 53-man roster, though Jordan Schultz reports the team will likely stick at three. There has not been much clarity on what type of split Williams and Corum will employ. The team likes Corum, and he has done what has been asked of him. The goal is to keep Williams healthy. There should be no surprise like what happened to Cam Akers in 2023 lurking in the backfield. Williams is a team leader, and they love him. It would take an injury or a significant drop in quality of play for Corum to overtake him.
Preseason Updates: Wide Receivers
Puka Nacua has remained out, but there is no talk about his Week 1 status being in jeopardy. I will break the fourth wall here on the Rams wide receivers, as this is a situation in which the fantasy football hive mind does not align with what is happening. Cooper Kupp is fully healthy. He looks like, and is being targeted like, pre-injury Cooper Kupp. Demarcus Robinson is a starter. He is a big-play threat and is not in any remote danger of losing his job to Jordan Whittington. The two play entirely different roles. The Athletic’s Jourdan Rodrigue projects seven receivers to make the final roster: Nacua, Kupp, Robinson, Whittington, Tyler Johnson, Tutu Atwell, and Xavier Smith. Whittington has emerged as a darling of the scouting and analyst community. The coaches love his blocking and run-after-catch ability. Kupp and Nacua are certainly going to command the lion’s share of targets when healthy, and Robinson will be targeted heavily relative to other No. 3s. Smith and Johnson have been the regular kick-return duo.
Preseason Updates: Tight Ends
Expect the Rams to remain a base 11-personnel team. Colby Parkinson is the starter, although it’s not clear that he’ll dominate snap share as everyone on the roster will have subpackage roles. The coaches also like Davis Allen and Hunter Long. Tyler Higbee will begin the season on either the PUP list or injured reserve.
Preseason Updates: Kickers
Joshua Karty missed an extra point attempt and made only one field goal from 21 yards, but he has done enough to win the job after the Rams spent a sixth-round pick on him in April.
Preseason Updates: Defense
Following the final preseason game, news broke that linebacker and team captain Ernest Jones was given permission to seek a trade. This is significant news, given Jones’ productivity and projected role as a defensive centerpiece. Retired All-Pro Aaron Donald ceremonially handed the defense over to Jones, saying, “Earnest, it’s your defense now. I told him that.” General manager Les Snead has called Jones “the leader of the defense.”
Christian Rozeboom profiles as the biggest beneficiary of Jones’ departure, but undrafted rookie Omar Speights has also had a great preseason. Snead mentioned Speights was sitting the final preseason game because “we didn’t want to subject him to a possible injury because we could be relying on him on Sunday Night Football.” The coaches have been pleased with the young defensive group, including Kobie Turner, Braden Fiske, Jared Verse, Bobby Brown III, Tyler Davis, Byron Young, and Michael Hoecht. First-year coordinator Chris Shula favors the safety position in nickel and dime sub-packages. The Athletic’s Rodrigue projects six safeties will make the 53-man roster: Kam Curl, Kam Kinchens, Quentin Lake, John Johnson III, Jaylen McCollough, and Russ Yeast. ESPN’s Sarah Barshop agrees.
Preseason Updates: Returners
Boston Scott was a surprising early cut on Sunday, which clears the way for Tutu Atwell to serve as the team’s top returner.
Updates from Week 3
If you're in a hurry, check out Joe Bryant's Preseason Insights: What You Need To Know This Week.
Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks
Matthew Stafford exited Wednesday’s joint practice with Dallas early with what the team called “hamstring tightness,” but he returned to practice on Monday. Jimmy Garoppolo’s two-game suspension complicates the Rams' plans as they finalize the roster in a few weeks. Third-stringer Stetson Bennett sees limited practice reps, so he has played the entirety of both preseason games. It is an open question if the team is comfortable with Bennett as their backup for the first two games. Coach Sean McVay let the Passing Game Coordinator Aubrey Pleasant run the entire week’s prep against the Chargers while McVay watched from the booth. Garoppolo is happy with his opportunity, “This place allows you to be yourself, too, which is different than other places I’ve been.”
Preseason Updates: Running Backs
Kyren Williams and Blake Corum are rotating with the first team, while Ronnie Rivers is taking most of the second-team reps. Williams is embracing a growth mindset, telling team writer Stu Jackson, “So that's the continued growth that I got to continue to keep chasing, continue having that mindset of I'm getting there, I'm on the way to being where I want to be. And that's being explosive, being decisive, and just being who I am as a runner. Making people miss or having to lower my pads when I have to. So, for me, it was a work in progress, but I'm excited where we're going, I'm excited where we're headed, and it's gonna be fun this year.”
Preseason Updates: Wide Receivers
Puka Nacua is still not practicing but has been present with the team as he recovers from a knee injury. Jourdan Rodrigue provided a breakdown of the receiver room: “Cooper Kupp plays the ‘F’ while Nacua is the ‘Z’ in the mold of Robert Woods. Demarcus Robinson is the ‘X’. Robinson and Stafford have great chemistry, and he is one of Stafford’s preferred targets when a play breaks down. These three receivers have been on the first team all spring and summer. Jordan Whittington, Tyler Johnson, and Xavier Smith have backed up Kupp or Nacua in practice. Whittington is heavily involved in the run game as a blocker. Tutu Atwell backs up Robinson. Atwell, Johnson, and Smith have all taken turns returning kicks. Both Johnson and Smith have had outstanding camps.”
Preseason Updates: Tight Ends
According to Rodrigue, the team has played Colby Parkinson as their primary tight end in 11 personnel. Davis Allen injured his hand and was looked at by a trainer, but he could return to practice. Allen and Hunter Long are rotating in with the first team behind Parkinson when the team uses two tight end looks.
Preseason Updates: Kickers
The Rams released Tanner Brown, making sixth-round rookie Joshua Karty the winner of the competition. The newly-minted starting kicker made field goal attempts from 43 and 48 yards and a fourth-quarter extra point that opened a four-point lead but also missed from 52 yards. The Rams will almost certainly go into Week 1 with Karty as their kicker, but he’s far from guaranteed to finish the season in that role.
Preseason Updates: Defense
Rebuilding the Edge room has been a significant focus for the team as they move into a post-Aaron Donald world. Rodrigue discussed the dynamics around Michael Hoecht, Jared Verse, and Byron Young. Defensive back Kamren Kitchens has been out for the last week but will return as a full participant. The team signed veteran defensive tackle Carlos Watkins. Donald attended practice this week; at one point, he gave rookie Braden Fiske some advice.
Preseason Updates: Offensive Lines
The Rams rank 18th overall, with center Steve Avila moving to his natural position and right guard Kevin Dotson providing veteran leadership. However, left guard Jonah Jackson (Detroit) has a bruised scapula (shoulder), and his availability for Week 1 is uncertain. Additionally, left tackle Aleric Jackson is out with an ankle sprain, and right tackle Rob Havenstein limped off with an ankle injury, which the coaches called "week-to-week." It's not clear who will start the season. Other than Joe Noteboom, this group has little depth. The health outlook of this Rams' line is currently a genuine concern.
Updates from Week 2
If you're in a hurry, check out Joe Bryant's Preseason Insights: What You Need To Know This Week.
Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks
Matthew Stafford and Jimmy Garoppolo—the No. 1 and No. 2 quarterbacks, respectively—sat against Dallas, as coach Sean McVay is known for holding out his key players. The Athletic’s Jourdan Rodrigue reported that Stafford asked for more guaranteed money on his contract. The team guaranteed his full 2024 salary but removed all future guarantees. That motivates Stafford to earn another contract, and exploring free agency could be on the table. The passing game struggled during a scrimmage with the Chargers, with starting tackles Rob Havenstein and Alaric Jackson and guard Jonah Jackson all sidelined. The offensive line injuries could potentially linger into Week 1. Stetson Bennett started and played the entire game against Dallas. It was a roller coaster ride that included four interceptions but ended with a game-winning touchdown pass.
Preseason Updates: Running Backs
Kyren Williams and Blake Corum sat out the preseason opener. While Williams’ absence was expected, resting Corum is a positive sign he’s expected to have an important role in the regular-season offense, too. ESPN’s Sarah Barshop highlighted the duo, with running backs coach Ron Gould discussing their importance to the team: “McVay can stay in rhythm with how he calls the game.” The coaching staff is focused on “keeping Williams fresh,” a sentiment echoed by McVay, who emphasized the importance of balancing stress and rest for growth. Williams is the clear starter, pushing himself hard, but Corum can also play all three downs. McVay values keeping base personnel on the field to prevent defensive substitutions, so Corum should get entire drives to himself. Jourdan Rodrigue expects the Rams to carry four backs: Williams, Corum, Boston Scott, and Ronnie Rivers. Scott will likely serve as the primary kick returner alongside cornerback Tre Tomlinson, although Williams has also seen reps with the return team. In the preseason game, Scott ran for 58 yards on 15 carries, while Zach Evans struggled with 28 yards on 12 carries, leaving Evans with an uphill battle to make the team.
Preseason Updates: Wide Receivers
During joint practices with the Chargers, Puka Nacua suffered a burst bursa sac in his knee, but McVay remains optimistic: “Nothing serious, nothing structurally. He’ll be in good shape and ready for Week 1 against Detroit.” Meanwhile, Cooper Kupp is fully healthy and back to his record-setting chemistry with Stafford, remaining the focal point of the passing game. Jourdan Rodrigue identified seven receivers with the best odds to make the final roster: Kupp, Nacua, Demarcus Robinson, Tutu Atwell, Jordan Whittington, Tyler Johnson, and Xavier Smith. Atwell’s name has come up in trade discussions, while Robinson is solidified as the No. 3. Whittington shined in the preseason game, leading the team with six receptions for 74 yards, prompting McVay to say, “He’s going to be a factor for us.”
Preseason Updates: Tight Ends
Colby Parkinson is the nominal starter, but both Davis Allen and Hunter Long will see playing time. Stafford trusts both Parkinson and Allen, per The Athletic. With Nacua injured, the team has been running more two-tight end sets, a strategy that could continue if one of the top three receivers is out during the season. Allen and Long both played in the preseason game, making up for lost time due to injuries in the 2023 preseason. Tyler Higbee’s status and role remain unclear as he continues his injury recovery.
Preseason Updates: Kickers
Sixth-round pick Joshua Karty got the first crack at preseason action, making 2 of 2 field goals (with a long of 39 yards) and the game-winning extra point in a 13-12 victory over the Cowboys. Karty bounced back from a 2 of 5 performance in a Friday scrimmage against the Cowboys. The rookie was listed as the No. 1 kicker on the initial depth chart and remains the favorite heading into the second preseason game.
Preseason Updates: Defense
According to The Athletic, rookie Braden Fiske has had the best training camp of any Rams player. Fiske will start alongside Kobie Turner on the defensive line. Fellow Florida State rookie Jared Verse has also had a strong first camp and will rotate on the edge with Byron Young and Michael Hoecht. The safeties have been the standout group in camp, with Kam Curl, John Johnson III, and Kam Kinchens all performing well. Quentin Lake is expected to play the nickel position, referred to as the “Star” in Chris Shula’s defense.
Preseason Updates: Returners
The Rams signed Boston Scott in part to shore up their return game in 2024, but incumbent Tutu Atwell was listed ahead of him on the first depth chart. While Atwell is an exciting returner, Scott’s reliability as a veteran might give him the edge when the games count.
Updates from Week 1
If you're in a hurry, check out Joe Bryant's What You Need To Know From Every Team This Week.
Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks
Matthew Stafford is entering a critical season, as reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, after renegotiating his contract to a one-year, $40 million deal without any 2025 guarantees. The Athletic’s Jourdan Rodrigue detailed a day in Stafford's life at a recent practice, highlighting his importance to the team. Coach Sean McVay praised Stafford's ability to utilize the entire field, saying, “He can activate all parts of the field. The best offenses make you defend the width and depth of the field. He gives us the ability to do that.” The Rams added Jimmy Garoppolo in free agency to back up Stafford, but Garoppolo will be suspended for the first two games due to a positive test for performance-enhancing substances. He will serve as Stafford’s backup upon his return. Stetson Bennett, the Rams' 2023 fourth-round pick, is expected to secure the No. 3 job and fill in as Stafford’s backup during Garoppolo's suspension.
Preseason Updates: Running Backs
The main fantasy question revolves around the workload split between Kyren Williams and Blake Corum. The OC Register’s Adam Grosbard reported that Williams has emphasized staying healthy this season and has adjusted his training accordingly. McVay praised Corum after OTAs, stating, “I’ve been pleased with a lot of guys, but Blake Corum has really stood out. Mature beyond his years.” The Rams currently have five backs in camp: Williams, Corum, Ronnie Rivers, Boston Scott, and Zach Evans. Blaine Grisak of TurfShowTimes.com noted that Evans is the only one the coaching staff has not publicly praised. Scott is seen as the favorite for kick-return duties.
Preseason Updates: Wide Receivers
In an interview with Robert Mays, McVay discussed Puka Nacua’s attributes, describing him as “mentally and physically tough” and “fearless,” noting his physicality on offense. Nacua and Cooper Kupp are the top two receivers. Cameron DaSilva of USA Today’s RamsWire reported that Demarcus Robinson is solidifying his role as the third receiver, with Tutu Atwell not performing as well in camp. Grisak projects the final six receivers to be Nacua, Kupp, Robinson, Atwell, Jordan Whittington, and Tyler Johnson, with the battle for sixth spot between Johnson and Xavier Smith being the most significant. Whittington has been impressive, with receivers coach Eric Yarber praising his blocking skills and understanding of the run game.
Preseason Updates: Tight Ends
Long-time starter Tyler Higbee is expected to miss the first half of the season while recovering from a torn ACL and MCL suffered in a playoff game against the Lions. Rodrigue detailed the tight end situation, noting that Davis Allen and Colby Parkinson have been splitting first-team reps. Allen is in his second season, while Parkinson signed a significant free-agent deal with $15.5 million guaranteed. The Rams, typically heavy users of 11 personnel, are expected to incorporate more 12- and 13-personnel sets. Neither Allen nor Parkinson has pulled ahead in the competition. Allen commented on the tight end room's approach under coach Nick Caley, emphasizing a team-first mentality. Offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur praised Parkinson's athleticism and potential impact. Hunter Long is also expected to provide depth at the position.
Preseason Updates: Kickers
The Rams’ kicking game was a disaster last year, going through two kickers who made only 32 of 43 field goal attempts and 32 of 37 extra point attempts. The team signed Tanner Brown to a futures deal after the season—he had been with the team until the end of camp before the season—but then drafted Joshua Karty in the sixth round. Special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn said the competition has been “really tight” and praised both kickers’ performances in camp.
Preseason Updates: Defense
The retirement of Aaron Donald is a significant storyline for the defense. Coach McVay, in an interview on “Up & Adams” with Kay Adams, acknowledged that the defense won’t look the same without Donald but emphasized the potential for excellence with teamwork. The Rams overhauled both their defensive line and secondary in the offseason. New arrivals include cornerbacks Tre’Davious White and Darious Williams, along with safety Kamren Curl. The team also drafted safety Kamren Kitchens in Round 3 and focused on the defensive line with first-round picks Jared Verse and Braden Fiske from Florida State. Fiske has been a standout in camp, with Stafford praising his physicality and explosiveness. Williams is dealing with a hamstring injury and is listed as week-to-week, while starting defensive tackle Kobie Turner has returned from a day-to-day groin issue. The biggest position battles are at nickelback and safety, with Cobie Durant leading the competition for the nickel spot and Curl and Quentin Lake vying for the two safety positions. Ernest Jones IV, who has slimmed down from 250 to 234 pounds, is the defensive leader and middle linebacker.
