Jimmy Garoppolo sat out of the first two games of the Los Angeles Rams‘ season due to a suspension for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy.
In his stead, Stetson Bennett served as quarterback Matthew Stafford’s backup.
Now that Garoppolo has returned from suspension, he is QB2 for the Rams.
Because of the numerous injuries L.A. has endured early in the 2024 campaign, the Rams have kept Bennett on their 53-player active roster despite Garoppolo’s reinstatement. The following 11 Rams players are on the injured reserve list:
- Steve Avila, guard
- Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, cornerback
- Jonah Jackson, guard
- John Johnson III, safety
- Derion Kendrick, cornerback
- KT Leveston, guard
- Conor McDermott, offensive tackle
- Larrell Murchison, defensive tackle
- Puka Nacua, wide receiver
- Joe Noteboom, offensive tackle
- Darious Williams, cornerback
Also sidelined with injuries are tight ends Tyler Higbee and Davis Allen, along with WR Cooper Kupp.
The Rams do not usually carry three QBs on their active roster. Thus, had it not been for the spate of injuries, Bennett might have been removed from the active roster upon Garoppolo’s reinstatement.
After the Rams selected Bennett in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, he spent the entire 2023 season on the reserve/non-football injury list. This preseason, Bennett struggled, throwing five interceptions in only two games, though he did toss a pair of fourth-quarter touchdown passes in those games, leading the Rams to victories.
After the Rams’ 41-10 blowout loss to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 2, coach Sean McVay made remarks implying that his confidence in Bennett is limited.
McVay said he contemplated playing Bennett near the end of the game but “didn’t want to put Stetson in a situation where he has never taken some of the snaps and exchanges.”
As the injured Rams players heal and return to the active roster, Bennett’s status may be revisited. But, for now, his position appears safe.
If the Rams eventually need to make room on their active roster, they could place Bennett on the practice squad. Most NFL teams carry three quarterbacks between their active rosters and practice squads.
