RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Xavier Smith #19 open the Rams preseason with exciting punt returns (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It took awhile for the Los Angeles Rams to get their offense on track, but they hit stride for two scores in the fourth quarter, knocking off the Kansas City Chiefs 20-12 in Arrowhead Stadium. It was a case of the two opposing coaches, Rams Sean McVay and Chiefs Andy Reid, being on the same wavelength. Don’t show anything, offense, defense, or special teams, to the opposition.
The Rams sat 41 players, so any re-setting of the depth chart is strictly on the lower rungs. Why are these bottom half of the roster battles worth our time? It’s all about finding depth for a 17 -game regular season. The 2026 roster will be a tough one to crack and barring injuries, there be as few as five open roster possibilities for 30+players to scramble for.
On Friday before the game, I surmised about what and who I would be watching out for in the opener. Now comes the review of how things turned out. The quotes are from that article, the numbers in parentheses are how many snaps played and the reset concerns possible depth chart change.
Quarterback
“…if Simpson can simply get the team in and out of the huddle, show he can make the proper reads, and put the ball where it belongs, …”
Bootleg counter passes were pretty much the rule until later in the game. Not a particularly varied air attack, although there was one RPO, not something the McVay offense has used much with the personnel he’s had.
Stetson Bennett (15) played two drives and looked a bit off target. The Rams braintrust got him off the field after a field goal scoring drive. Ty Simpson (39) did exactly what was needed. Earth-shattering? No, but a smooth maiden voyage and certainly enough to give Rams fans a sense of optimism for the future.
Reset: The Rams likely won’t announce it officially and Bennett may very well continue to take his reps with the second team, but Simpson is clearly the better option to call upon in an emergency.
Running back
“There’s not a lot of rungs on the ladder for Jarquez Hunter to ascend…”
Generally, the run attack was simply lackluster throughout the game, just a a few sparklers in a sea of simple straight ahead dive plays. Jarquez Hunter (21) broke a play outside from a clogged line of scrimmage. Jordan Waters (11) broke through a heavy box for a big gain late. Dean Conners (22) had a couple of touchdown catches near the goal line. L.A. did not use many true drop backs, so running back pass blocking wasn’t a real problem.
Reset: Not a lot of movement. Ronnie Rivers did not play, a strong hint that he’s locked in. I find it difficult to believe the Rams will part with Hunter after two seasons, but he does have Conners, with his third down back skills, breathing down his neck for RB#4.
Dean Connors – Preseason Week 1 – every touch pic.twitter.com/TimbjtYMeg
— Jacob Gibbs (@jagibbs_23) August 16, 2026
Wide receiver
“So far, there is still no clear-cut WR#3. So, it will be about trying to get a read on who is making hay for that role…”
Welcome to the ghost of McVay offenses past. The Rams opened the preseason using predominantly three wide receiver sets. It’s likely a bit of a smokescreen, but it gives fans a good look at wide receiver depth. One thing really stood out, the blocking by the receivers was porr overall.
Tyler Scott (46) led in reps and made a nice diving catch, his only target. Xavier Harris (39) was close behind, charting four short catches and a couple of nice punt returns. The stage didn’t appear to big for CJ Daniels (36), he led the unit with five targets, but only pulled down two. Brennan Presley (20) took right up where he left off last preseason, showing off ability to run with the ball in his hands. Tru Edwards (16) was quiet and Mario Williams (0) only saw action on two kickoff returns.
Reset: Behind the Rams Top 4, none of whom suited up, there would appear to be a good battle for what should be, two roster spots. Smith did not cede any ground. Presley was the biggest gainer, showing off his off versatility and burst. But would the Rams consider keeping two “small” receivers? Daniels was not distinctive, but didn’t have any glaring problems, while conversely, Scott needs to show out to wrest away a roster spot. Edwards and Williams look to have taken a step back.
Tight end
“…how the Rams line them up, will they lean right into the multi-tight end sets or save it for the regular season?”
The big news was that the L.A. offense eschewed multiple tight end formations. By my unofficial count, the Rams used three “12” sets and not a single play with three tight ends on the field. Max Klare (36) played the lion’s share of snaps and was exactly as advertised, a gifted receiver with iffy blocking. Mark Redman (19) was the backup looked solid all-around. Dan Villari (3) and Rohan Jones (1) mopped up late.
Reset: Klare is clearly in, just getting growing reps. He really needs work on his blocking. he had, at least, five blown blocks in the run game. Redman clearly puts space between himself and the two undrafted rookies, Villari and Jones, in the practice squad battle.
Offensive line
“As much as I would like to see Keagan Trost in live action, the offensive line depth, or rather the lack of it, may not allow it…”
Ouch, the biggest takeaway was Keagan Trust’s hamstring injury. It appeared to happen on special teams, during the Rams opening field goal. The starting lineup was a bit surprising, LT Austin Blaske (54), LG Bill Murray (36), C Dylan McMahon (51), RG Beaux Limmer (34), and RT Keagan Trost (15). Blaske played the entire game, moving to guard in the fourth quarter and acquitted himself well. Murray, McMahon, and Limmer played well also. Trost really moved defenders in the run game before leaving. Blake Hance stepped in at right tackle and had his struggles. In the second half, Wyatt Bowles (25) came in at guard for Murray and was on...
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