This offseason, Rams quarterback Stetson Bennett has a lot to prove

What has to be demonstrated to the Rams this offseason by Stetson Bennett?

Stetson Bennett, the backup quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams, addressed the media for the first time since departing the organization last autumn. Bennett, a former Georgia quarterback, took a leave of absence before to the start of the regular season after the Rams selected him in the fourth round of the 2023 draft

Stetson Bennett just spoke with media for the first time since going on the Non-Football Injury list last season. The Rams QB declined to go into the specifics on why he stepped away last year, except to say the reason related to mental health

— Adam Grosbard (@AdamGrosbard) May 28, 2024

“I’m going to leave all the specifics and particulars in-house out of respect for him and the situation,” Rams head coach Sean McVay stated at the time. All that was known about Bennett’s leave of absence was that it was taken for unspecified personal reasons, despite much conjecture on those reasons.

The Rams weren’t really sure if Bennett would return until the offseason. “You know, I don’t know that,” McVay remarked. That’s a discussion for another day, in my opinion. Although I wouldn’t be in a position to respond at this time, I believe he is getting better. General manager Les Snead finally said in March that Bennett will be returning to the squad for offseason training.

Bennett has rejoined the team, but there are still some uncertainties regarding his future. Jimmy Garoppolo, a former quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, was one of the free agents signed by the Rams to provide backup for Matthew Stafford. Bennett would so likely be the third quarterback available to the team.

Having said that, there are a few points to consider in this situation. The most noteworthy is that Garoppolo’s ban will prevent him from playing in the first two games of the season. This probably indicates that Bennett is the backup for the first two games on the roster, at the absolute least. The Rams would then have to decide whether to stick with three quarterbacks on the roster.

A third backup quarterback is not counted against the game day roster according to a rule that the NFL changed last year. The game day roster, though, is the crucial term here. Throughout the week, Bennett would still be counted against the 53-man roster. Bennett may also choose to remain on the practice squad and be promoted to the starting lineup on game days by the Rams. However, that is a three-time limit for that process.

It’s also important to remember that the Rams have demonstrated a willingness to play three quarterbacks at a time. As late as 2022, they carried out this action with Bryce Perkins.

There will undoubtedly be some rust on Bennett’s part after a year off from football. On Tuesday, Bennett talked about some of the changes he’s had to make.

You’re conveying the play to the guys, which is a big deal, since you hadn’t played football in a long and you hadn’t spoken to them in a huddle. First day was somewhat nerve-racking, but things are moving along—I wouldn’t say effortlessly, but each day has improved as you’ve tried to make it.

In Bennett’s case, missing a full year is significant, particularly considering that he was an older rookie. At 26, Bennett is essentially experiencing his second rookie season. He lost out on a full year of opportunities to get game experience and/or become more at ease in the offense. Bennett’s circumstances should be respected, and not many people would have cared if he had missed the season due to an ACL tear. However, it’s also impossible to overlook the first section.

p until now, Bennett’s only interactions with the Rams have been during training camp and a few preseason games. Bennett led quarterbacks in plays that should have resulted in turnovers and threw three interceptions despite having a strong performance in his first preseason game. After a year away, it’s unlikely that the game has gotten easier for him.

On Tuesday, Mike LaFleur, the offensive coordinator for the Rams, addressed the media. What he said about Bennett and what he expects from the quarterback during OTAs are shown below.

Simply to come here every day and present himself in the best possible light. I’ve enjoyed collaborating with him.He’s out here, and he’s in a wonderful place. I am aware that he has been an excellent sponge.You can only ask these men for so much when he shows up to work each and every day bent on improving. All that is possible if their goal is correct, which Stetson’s is at this moment, and it is unquestionably evident.

Since Bennett is still merely a backup quarterback, it’s difficult to claim that he has a lot to prove this offseason. That being stated, no assurances can be made. Like everyone else, Bennett will have to demonstrate that he merits a position on the roster.