RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - AUGUST 15: Running back Jarquez Hunter #27 of the Los Angeles Rams carries the ball during the 1st quarter of the preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on August 15, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Los Angeles Rams have been consistent in their approach to the preseason in the past decade under Sean McVay. We know this will be a very competitive roster to make. There may only be a few spots up for grabs on the margins.
Sometimes McVay’s most telling move is who sits out. There were a couple of interesting inactives on Saturday against the Kansas City Chiefs that should inform 53-man roster projections.
Let’s summarize everything we learned from the preseason opener in Kansas City.
An injury to keep an eye on
Keagen Trost, RT
Trost started at right tackle before leaving in the first quarter with a hamstring injury . It seems the Rams are preparing Trost to backup Warren McClendon, which means veteran David Quessenberry is likely the backup to Alaric Jackson amid the starter’s potential suspension.
Should Trost miss extended time, he is a candidate to start the regular season on injured reserve. This would open up an opportunity for players like AJ Arcuri to stick with the team.
Did not play – probably safe
Shaun Dolac, MLB
No surprises here. Dolac was playing more on defense towards the end of last season before suffering an injury and missing the playoffs. He’s also one of LA’s more important special teams contributors.
It’s noteworthy that Dolac has gone from one of the highest volume participants of the preseason a year ago to safe in 2026.
Grant Stuard, MLB
It didn’t really make sense that LA would cut their free agent investment in special teams. Stuard did not play Saturday and that confirms he’s safe.
Josh Wallace, CB
It will be interesting to see how often the Rams deploy Trent McDuffie in the slot. Consequently, how different will Quentin Lake’s role be in 2026? LA is set at the first two slot corner spots. Wallace is third on the depth chart but seems safe to make the team.
Tyler Davis, DT
Davis continues to be one of the most underrated names on the Rams’ roster. He was on the sidelines dressed in street clothes along with Kobie Turner and Braden Fiske. There will not be a surprise cut of Davis this year.
Did not play – interesting data point
All three of these players sat out in Kansas City; however, this isn’t a clear sign that they are locks to make the roster. All have years of preseason experience with the Rams. What else is there to learn from additional time on the field? The Rams know who these players are at this point.
Ronnie Rivers, RB
Probably ahead of Jarquez Hunter on the depth chart. Rivers also contributes on special teams with higher frequency than Hunter, although that mix could change this season potentially.
Davis Allen, TE
Listed as a co-starter on the team’s unofficial depth chart. Max Klare isn’t getting cut as a second-round pick. Can the Rams really keep five tight ends? If they do, it truly signals that LA will again be deploying heavier personnel and fewer receivers may stick on the 53-man roster as a result.
AJ Arcuri, OT
The Rams should not have much confidence in Quessenberry if he must step in because of a Jackson suspension. It would be wise to keep as many options available as possible. Trost starting at right tackle could signal that the team is not overly concerned about Jackson getting suspended, and generally front offices have an understanding of expectations that is not publicly available.
Do the Rams feel they have nothing new to learn about Arcuri or is he too important to subject to injury risk?
Played surprisingly late into the game
Desjuan Johnson, EDGE
Johnson is currently LA’s fourth EDGE. It’s a position where numbers are needed because they are often rotated. I’d lean towards Johnson being safe, although it was surprising to see him play almost the entire game Saturday.
Cam Lampkin, CB
With Wallace sitting out the contest, Lampkin is probably unlikely to make this team. We saw Lampkin play in the slot and last preseason he mainly aligned outside. Considering the positive training camp reports that Lampkin was causing turnovers left and right, he did not perform up to that standard versus the Chiefs.
Max Klare, TE
There are two ways to read Klare participating the entire game. He is either on the same developmental plan as Ty Simpson and the Rams don’t expect him to contribute much in 2026, barring injury. Or the team knows they need as many tight ends as possible and felt a high volume of both snaps and targets could accelerate his growth trajectory. I lean more towards the first idea at this point.
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