Sean McVay says Ty Simpson will play in Rams’ first preseason game, while decision on Stetson Bennett IV is still pending

Rams head coach Sean McVay said Tuesday that quarterback Ty Simpson will “definitely” play in the team’s first preseason game. McVay also made clear that he has not reached a final decision on whether quarterback Stetson Bennett IV will see the field in that opening matchup, leaving the Rams’ early depth-chart plans somewhat unsettled as training camp moves into its game-simulation phase.

The comments matter because the Rams are using the preseason not only to evaluate play-calling and execution, but also to sort out the order for quarterback reps after the starters. With the first preseason game approaching, McVay’s certainty about Simpson suggests the team intends to get Simpson meaningful snaps early in the slate, rather than waiting deeper into the exhibition schedule.

McVay framed the quarterback decisions in a way that emphasizes process and timing, with the “definitely will” language narrowing uncertainty for Simpson while keeping a door open for Bennett. That distinction indicates the Rams may be using the first preseason game to start answering one specific question immediately, then deciding the rest of the quarterback mix closer to game day based on how week-to-week work translates during game conditions.

In addition to the preseason debut, McVay highlighted a key preparatory step on Aug. 11: the Rams are scheduled to host the Dallas Cowboys for a joint practice. Joint practices are commonly used to sharpen timing against a real opponent, tighten special-teams and situational work, and increase the speed of reads and protections for quarterbacks and their receivers.

The Aug. 11 workout with Dallas also adds practical context for how the Rams may approach quarterback usage. A joint practice tends to create specific matchup looks in live periods, which can inform coaching staff decisions on who gets the most reps in the first exhibition games. In that sense, the “haven’t decided” portion of McVay’s message on Bennett can be read as a sign that the Rams are still weighing how camp reps and live periods line up for the early preseason snaps.

While preseason decisions are often fluid, McVay’s public stance suggests Los Angeles is trying to bring structure to its quarterback evaluation. Simpson appears to be locked into game action for the first preseason outing, while Bennett remains in the group of players whose participation will depend on how the Rams assess readiness after the joint practice and final preparation.

For Rams fans, the next point to watch is the Rams’ announced quarterback plan for the first preseason game once rosters and game-day designations are finalized. The Simpson confirmation raises expectations for at least a meaningful workload, while Bennett’s status will likely become clearer after the Aug. 11 joint practice and the team’s subsequent day-to-day evaluation.

Just as importantly, the Rams’ approach will offer a window into how they view the order behind the starters. Preseason reps can influence how coaches allocate confidence in live situations, and the way Los Angeles balances Simpson and Bennett early could shape how the quarterback evaluation continues through the rest of the preseason.