Full Breakdown
Rams Edge Chargers 20-18 in Preseason Finale
8/28/2026, 11:32:11 AM
Game Summary
The Los Angeles Rams defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 20-18 in the final preseason matchup at SoFi Stadium. Rookie quarterback Ty Simpson started for the Rams, completing 18 of 23 passes for 119 yards and one touchdown. The Rams took the lead for good on Simpson’s 11-yard touchdown pass to Brennan Presley, extending the margin to 10-7. After a missed 49-yard field-goal attempt by Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker, the Rams added a fourth-quarter touchdown from Matthew Caldwell to Dean Connors, pushing the lead to 20-10. The Chargers narrowed the gap to 20-18 on a 34-yard rushing touchdown by Greg Desrosiers Jr. and a two-point conversion pass from third-string quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei to tight end Evan Svoboda. A late-quarter sack and forced fumble by the Rams ended the Chargers’ final comeback attempt.
Player Highlights & Statistics
- Ty Simpson (Rams) – 18/23, 119 yd, 1 TD, 102.7 passer rating.
- Matthew Caldwell (Rams) – 5/10, 31 yd, 1 TD; left the game with a knee injury in the final minutes.
- Brennan Presley (Rams) – 1 reception, 11-yard TD.
- Justin Herbert (Chargers) – 2/3, 74 yd, 1 TD; fumbled on a handoff early in the game.
- Quentin Johnston (Chargers) – 1 catch, 65-yard TD (second-longest of his career).
- D.J. Uiagalelei (Chargers) – 141 yd passing, 1 two-point conversion; sacked and stripped late in the fourth quarter.
- Greg Desrosiers Jr. (Chargers) – 9 carries, 118 yd, 1 TD.
Roster Implications
Both teams used the game to evaluate depth players ahead of the NFL’s roster-cut deadline of August 30 at 4:00 p.m. The Rams entered the game with a 3-0 preseason record and will travel to Australia in September to open the regular season against the San Francisco 49ers. The Chargers, at 1-2, must finalize their 53-man roster following the deadline.
Official Statements & Responses
Rams head coach Sean McVay praised Simpson’s poise, noting his “great game-day demeanor.” McVay also highlighted the addition of wide receiver Tutu Atwell, saying the move adds speed and versatility to the roster. Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh lauded Herbert’s 65-yard touchdown, describing the play as “double-wow” for its route, throw, and protection.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I thought he had good command,” — Sean McVay, rams coach
- “He adds depth. It gives us an opportunity to be able to have that speed element, and he can do some different things,” — Sean McVay, rams coach
- “It was double-wow - the route, the throw, the protection,” — Jim Harbaugh, coach
What’s Next
The Rams will open the regular season in September with a road game in Melbourne, Australia against the 49ers. The Chargers will finalize their 53-man rosters by the August 30 deadline and then turn their focus to the upcoming regular-season schedule, beginning with a home game against the Arizona Cardinals.
