Entering the 2023 NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Rams had a clear need for a backup quarterback.
In order to address it, the Rams traded up to select Stetson Bennett in the fourth round.
Bennett was coming off two consecutive NCAA Championships with Georgia and was projected to be a solid No. 2 on an NFL roster.
During training camp and the preseason, Bennett flashed some playmaking and mobility out of the pocket that Sean McVay was impressed with.
However, Bennett was placed on injured reserve due to a shoulder injury and would be forced to miss at least the first four games of the season.
To make matters even more complicated, the Rams then moved Bennett to the reserve/non-football illness list and Sean McVay opted to not give out any more details regarding the situation via Dov Kleiman of BroBible.
“Out of respect for him and the situation, I’m going to leave all the specifics and particulars in-house,” McVay said. “I understand you have a job to do, but there are certain things that I think are a little bigger and a little more important.”
Update: #Rams coach Sean McVay says rookie QB Stetson Bennett was taken off the active roster and is facing issues: 'Bigger than' football.https://t.co/2ucqQrXdrG
"Out of respect for him and the situation, I'm going to leave all the specifics and particulars in-house,"
"I… https://t.co/oMMUGxs94m pic.twitter.com/aVf3u5WZdt
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) September 16, 2023
It’s concerning that McVay is unable to provide more clarity on Bennett’s status, though he’s doing the right thing by keeping it a private matter as fans can assume it must be serious.
Whatever is happening with Bennett fans don’t need to be privy to and it sounds like McVay and the organization are working through it behind the scenes.
Without Bennett, Brett Rypien will serve as Matthew Stafford’s backup.
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