Full Breakdown
Rams Wrap Preseason with 20-18 Win Over Chargers Amid QB Race and Trade Moves
8/28/2026, 8:03:57 PM
Core Event
The Los Angeles Rams defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 20-18 in the preseason finale at SoFi Stadium. Rookie quarterback Ty Simpson started, completing 18 of 23 passes for 119 yards and a touchdown, while undrafted rookie Matthew Caldwell entered in the third quarter before leaving with a knee injury. The win kept the Rams unbeaten in the preseason and set the stage for final roster decisions, including the trade of running back Jarquez Hunter to the Miami Dolphins for wide receiver Tutu Atwell.
Background & Context
Preseason games serve as auditions before the NFL-mandated roster-cut deadline of August 30 (4 p.m.). Head coach Sean McVay confirmed the Rams will retain three quarterbacks on the 53-man roster, a plan announced earlier in the week. The trade for Atwell, completed on August 27, was presented as a depth move for the receiver room, not a reaction to any pending suspension of star receiver Puka Nacua.
Data & Statistics
- Ty Simpson: 18/23, 119 yd, 1 TD, 0 INT, passer rating 102.7.
- Matthew Caldwell: 5/10, 31 yd, 1 TD before injury.
- Tutu Atwell (career with Rams 2021-25): 105 receptions, 1,535 yd, 5 TD; 2025 season: 6 receptions, 192 yd, 1 TD.
- Jarquez Hunter: 2025 fourth-round pick (117th overall), appeared in five games, 0 carries.
- Trade cap impact: Atwell’s one-year deal is $1.2 M (non-guaranteed) versus Hunter’s $1.25 M cap hit, yielding a modest saving.
Official Statements & Responses
McVay said the Atwell acquisition “had nothing to do with” any potential disciplinary action against Nacua, describing the move simply as adding depth and speed. Chargers defensive coordinator Chris O’Leary praised the consistent effort required to succeed at every level of football.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Some analysts linked the Atwell trade to a rumored suspension of Nacua, suggesting the Rams were pre-emptively shoring up the receiver corps. No further official comment has addressed the suspension rumor.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It gives us an opportunity to be able to have that speed element, and he can do some different things,” — Sean McVay, head coach
- “The same things at every level of football that give you the best chance are consistent effort, consistent attitude and by doing that, you make yourself the best player you can,” — Chris O’Leary, Chargers defensive coordinator
What’s Next
The Rams must finalize their 53-man roster by August 30. Their regular-season opener is scheduled for the following week against the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, Australia. The outcome of the quarterback backup race and the integration of Atwell into the offense will be clarified in the coming weeks as the team trims its roster.
