RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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INGLEWOOD, CA - Aug. 22, 2026: Los Angeles Rams running back Jarquez Hunter #27 runs the football against the New Orleans Saints in an NFL preseason game at SoFi Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
With a short week looming before the L.A. Rams’ preseason finale on Thursday, second-year back Jarquez Hunter staked his claim to leapfrog Ronnie Rivers as the team’s third-string runner. Hunter ran for 68 yards at 5.7 per carry against the Saints on Saturday , showing off the burst, speed, and power that made him a top running back in college and the team’s fourth-round pick in 2025.
For fans, Saturday’s 34-0 throttling of the New Orleans Saints was a joy to watch and the initial 53-man roster is becoming clearer. Last chance for a final post-game roster reset, so where do things stand en route to L.A.‘s final roster decisions?
Saturday snap counts are in parentheses, along with some opinions as to who’s in and who’s out.
Quarterback
In: Matthew Stafford, Ty Simpson (28), Stetson Bennett (51)
Out: Matthew Caldwell
It was Bennett’s turn for the limelight in Week 2. Four scores in five possessions is stellar efficiency. Again, like Week 1, his accuracy appears a bit off. One noticeable thing that is that his passing precision is better between the the numbers, on in-breaking routes and to settled receivers. When throwing outside or leading his receivers, his ball appears to float and sail. Did a nice job of making plays with his feet. Simpson didn’t play badly, just not sterling, as he did in Week 1.
Running back
In: Kyren Williams, Blake Corum
Likely: Jarquez Hunter (40), Ronnie Rivers
Out: Dean Conners (6), Jordan Waters (33)
If last year is any indication, then Rivers not playing does not assure him either the RB#3 or #4 roles and the accompanying roster spot. He played just three snaps last year and did not make the opening 53.
Hunter really showed off his traits, a heady combination of power and speed. Waters stacked another good performance. Just like in the 2025 preseason, he’s showing a competitive north/south running style. Conners didn’t get a lot of work, hard to put a finger as why, but the Rams only got off 26 offensive plays in the second half.
Jarquez Hunter showcases the moves and finds the end zone 🙌 Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/EV1dfSKAIP
— NFL (@NFL) August 22, 2026
Wide receiver
In: Puka Nacua, Davante Adans, Jordan Whittington, Konata Mumpford
Likely: Xavier Smith
Still alive: CJ Daniels (38), Brennan Presley (59), Tyler Scott (37)
Out: Tru Edwards (37), Alex Bachman (42)
The battle appears now to be for one roster spot with Smith sitting out after a solid Week 1. I don’t think there is any wrong answer for WR#6 amongst the still alive candidates. It boils down to a fans personal preference. They all looked pretty sharp on Sunday.
Tight end
In: Colby Parkinson, Terrance Ferguson, Tyler Higbee, Davis Allen, Max Klare (48)
Out: Mark Redman (22), Dan Villari (27), Rohan Jones (6)
Overall, It was a quiet afternoon for the unit. Short routes were the rule of the day. This unit has been pretty much set since the beginning of camp, but it was nice to see Villari show off his athleticism on the one catch.
Offensive line
In: Alaric Jackson, Steve Avila, Coleman Shelton, Kevin Dotson, Warren McClendon, David Quessenberry
Likely: Keagan Trost, Beaux Limmer, Justin Dedich
Still alive: Dylan McMahon (28), Austin Blaske (79), Bill Murray (74), Garrett Bowles (79)
Out: AJ Arcuri (52), Blake Hance (58), Bryce Henderson (25)
A solid outing for the big guys up front, particularly the interior players.They consistently pushed the line of scrimmage back in the run game and allotted the L.A. quarterbacks all the time they needed in the pass game.
McMahon started at center for the second straight game, and handled the pivot well. He subbed out in the middle of the second quarter vs the Saints, after playing nearly the full game in Week 1. He hasn’t been able to make the opening roster in either of his first two pro seasons
Both Blaske and Bowles played every snap and stood out. Blaske played on both sides at tackle, looking comfortable at each. He was flagged for a holding call, but it looked like he was driving the defender to the ground three yards past the line of scrimmage. Bowles worked at at guard and at center. Just liked last year, he has proven he can compete and win in both pass and run blocking against preseason competition.
Murray has stacked two solid games at left guard. He’s an interesting character, he was an undrafted defensive lineman for his first two NFL seasons and switched over in the summer of 2022. He’s made stops with four different teams.
Hance played better than Week 1, but doesn’t appear up to grade. Arcuri got a good workout after sitting out the first game, likely too little, too late. Henderson again played late in the game, probably wouldn’t be guy to develop on the practice squad.
Special teams
In: Harrison Meevis (12), Ethan Evans (8), Joe Cardona (8)
No news is good news for the specialists. Kick coverage was still iffy, but incrementally improved. I have to admit, I was disappointed seeing Alex Bachman back to return punts early in the game, after just four days on the team. Nothing against him, just seems the reps would be better served on someone who had put in the work for the whole of training camp and had a chance to make the team.
Defensive line
In: Kobie Turner, Poona Ford, Braden Fiske, Tyler Davis
Likely: Ty Hamilton
Still alive: Tim Keenan (25), Bill Norton (30)
Out: Larrell Murchison (23), Payton Zdroik (30), Jaxson Moi (34)
L.A. used predominantly four-man fronts vs the Saints. The overall quality of play was up from Week 1, but the level of competition was down. Hamilton didn’t play and looks like he’ll hold on to DL#5. A nice position battle between Keenan and Norton, two big boys. Today, I would grade the edge to Norton by a shade....
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