After the Los Angeles Rams‘ joint practice with the Dallas Cowboys, head coach Sean McVay was asked how much time Jimmy Garoppolo would see in the two team’s upcoming preseason game. The answer was simple, “Probably not.”
McVay’s comments throughout training camp about the 10-season vet have usually reflected Garoppolo’s extensive playing time and the confidence that brings him. Certainly, for the average NFL backup, he has loads of playing time. Garoppolo has started 63 regular season games and six playoff games.
Los Angeles Rams To Start Stetson Bennett In Preseason
Rather McVay pivoted to, 2023 fourth-round draft pick, Stetson Bennett, who has not started a game in the NFL and missed all over his rookie (regular) season after being placed on the reserve/non-football illness list in September of that year.
McVay said it is ‘important’ that Bennett gets “a bunch of work” this offseason.
Last season, before taking his leave, Bennett played a majority of the team’s offensive snaps in its first two preseason games. He completed just 58 percent of his passes for 347 yards. In those games, he threw just one interception, but according to Pro Football Focus, Bennett threw four turnover-worthy passes.
In the final game, Bennett’s playing time was limited to 10 dropbacks, in those he threw two interceptions. He earned a 59.0 NFL Passer Rating for his efforts. That was good for 86th among preseason passers.
McVay did note that Bennett has “made tremendous” growth in his time with the Rams this offseason.
Garoppolo Gets Final Say
McVay did note that the final decision for Garoppolo was left to Garoppolo.
“But if he said that he wanted to, knowing that he’s going to miss those first couple weeks, I’d be open to it,” McVay said, adding, “I would not want to play him unless he told me he wanted to.”
Garoppolo is suspended for the first two games for violating the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy.
