Full Breakdown
Rams Hold Off Chargers 20-18 in Preseason Finale, Spotlight on Quarterback Competition
8/28/2026, 11:28:53 AM
Core Event
On Thursday night at SoFi Stadium, the Los Angeles Rams defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 20-18 to close the 2026 preseason. Rookie quarterback Ty Simpson started, completing 18 of 23 passes for 119 yards and a go-ahead touchdown in the second quarter. Undrafted rookie Matthew Caldwell replaced Simpson in the third quarter and threw an eight-yard touchdown pass to running back Dean Connors before exiting with a knee injury. The Rams did not field any starters, adhering to head coach Sean McVay’s policy of preserving regular-season players.
Background & Context
The Rams entered the game after sweeping all three preseason contests. Coach McVay used the final outings to evaluate depth while keeping the starting roster healthy for the season-opening game in Melbourne, Australia, against the San Francisco 49ers. Earlier in the week the team traded running back Jarquez Hunter to the Miami Dolphins for wide receiver Tutu Atwell, a move McVay said was unrelated to any potential league discipline involving star receiver Puka Nacua. The Rams also added veteran kicker Harrison Mevis, who was perfect on field-goal attempts across the three preseason games.
Data & Statistics
- Final score: Rams 20, Chargers 18.
- Ty Simpson: 18/23, 119 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT.
- Matthew Caldwell: 5/10, 31 yards, 1 TD before leaving with a knee injury.
- Dean Connors: 18 rushes for 69 yards, 3 receptions for 24 yards, 1 TD reception.
- Harrison Mevis: two 27-yard field goals (perfect preseason).
- Chargers’ Justin Herbert: 2/3, 74 yards, 1 TD before a fumble forced a Rams field-goal.
Official Statements & Responses
Coach McVay emphasized the depth of the quarterback room, noting the Rams will carry three quarterbacks into the regular season. He praised both Simpson and Stetson Bennett, saying the backups have shown “good command” and that the team feels “really good” about each of them. McVay also addressed the Atwell trade, stating it was driven solely by familiarity and scheme fit, not by any off-field concerns surrounding Nacua. General manager Les Snead reiterated that the decision on the backup quarterback remains “up in the air” and that the timeline for final roster moves will be clarified after the upcoming cut-down deadline.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I thought he had good command,” — Sean McVay, Rams coach
- “We’ve got three quarterbacks on our roster,” — Sean McVay, Rams coach
What’s Next
The Rams must trim their roster to 53 players by August 30. McVay indicated that the quarterback depth chart will be finalized before the season opener in Australia. The status of Matthew Caldwell’s knee injury will be a factor in the final roster decision.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact number of snaps played by backup quarterback Stetson Bennett in the preseason. No definitive snap count has been released. Additionally, while multiple outlets confirm Dean Connors’ three-touchdown performance, the precise breakdown of his receiving yards varies slightly between reports.
