The Los Angeles Rams haven’t had to deal with the Stetson Bennett situation much this season, but that changed after Matthew Stafford left Sunday’s loss to the Dallas Cowboys with a hand injury. Head coach Sean McVay was asked what the status of L.A.’s rookie fourth-round pick is at this point after being placed on the Non-Football Injury list at the start of the season, and the update is not encouraging: Bennett is unlikely to return to the Rams this season.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72528321/1257668014.0.jpg)
It is unfortunately common for players to be injured and miss the season. Bennett, who was drafted despite a history of red flag controversies, is no longer with the Rams, and his future in the NFL, if he has one, is uncertain. Situations like this are much more uncommon.
Bennett, who won two national championships at Georgia but was not considered an elite prospect due to his age, size, potential physical limitations, and off-field concerns, showed flashes in the preseason mixed with poor throws and decisions, which led to the team keeping Brett Rypien as the backup.
Rypien appears to be in line to start against the Green Bay Packers in Week 9, and it is unclear who the backup would be in that situation. If Stafford is injured, the team has no backup quarterbacks on the roster or practice squad. McVay says the team is investigating.
What is clear is that Stetson Bennett will not be joining the Rams, which is concerning for a fourth-round rookie with no known injuries.
Bennett was the seventh quarterback selected, and at least two players selected after him could all start this week: The Cardinals have announced that Josh Dobbs will be benched in favor of Clayton Tune, and the Minnesota Vikings are required to do the same.
Others include Aidan O’Connell, who impressed in the Raiders’ preseason, and Sean Clifford, who could eventually replace Jordan Love on the Packers.
Dorian Thompson-Robinson, Tanner McKee, and Max Duggan were the three quarterbacks drafted after Bennett.
Leave a Reply