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Rams finish perfect 3-0 preseason with 20-18 win

8/28/2026

37 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Rams beat the Chargers 20-18 in the preseason finale.
The win gave the Rams a perfect 3-0 preseason, leaving the Chargers 1-2.
Rookie quarterback Ty Simpson completed 18 of 23 passes for 119 yards and an 11-yard TD.
Chargers rookie DJ Uiagalelei threw for 141 yards and a TD run by Greg DesRosiers Jr.
Both teams must cut rosters to 53 players by Sunday, Aug. 30, 4 p.m.

History

Historical Context

After Pete Rozelle’s 1974 mandate cut regular-season rosters to 45 players and abolished the NFL’s “future list,” the Los Angeles Rams and San Diego Chargers each shed about 12 spots, saving roughly $2 million in payroll. That roster contraction set a lasting template, so today’s preseason cuts to a 53-man roster by Aug. 30 echo the same pressure on rookie quarterbacks.

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Story summary

The Rams beat the Chargers 20-18 in the preseason finale.
The win gave the Rams a perfect 3-0 preseason, leaving the Chargers 1-2.
Rookie quarterback Ty Simpson completed 18 of 23 passes for 119 yards and an 11-yard TD.
Chargers rookie DJ Uiagalelei threw for 141 yards and a TD run by Greg DesRosiers Jr.
Both teams must cut rosters to 53 players by Sunday, Aug. 30, 4 p.m.

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