The Los Angeles Rams’ preseason continues to be a mix of promise and caution, as injury updates, roster adjustments, and key performances dominate the headlines in the lead-up to their Week 2 preseason clash against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Kickoff in Inglewood is set for 4 p.m. PT on Saturday, airing on KABC and with radio coverage on ESPNLA 710 AM and KWKW 1330 AM.

Injury Watch: Stafford Sits, Others Return

The biggest talking point remains quarterback Matthew Stafford’s back injury. After an encouraging workout on Saturday, the veteran signal-caller was expected to take part in individual drills Monday. Instead, he was held out after “not feeling great” that morning. Head coach Sean McVay emphasized a cautious, day-by-day approach.

“More than anything, I feel for a guy that I really care about that wants to be out there more than anything else,” McVay said. “We’re going to be smart.”

While surgery hasn’t been discussed, the Rams’ medical staff continues to evaluate the best recovery plan. McVay would not commit to whether Stafford could suit up if this were a regular season game, noting, “I don’t know that… but I think he still probably would be able to play.”

Other injury updates include:

• Ronnie Rivers (RB) – Out “for a little bit” with a rib injury.
• Anthony Torres (TE) – Ankle injury; waived/injured on Monday.
• Kobie Turner (DE) – Back injury; returned to practice.
• Nate Landman (ILB) – Calf injury; returned to practice.
• Kam Curl (S) – Ankle injury; returned to practice.
• Ahkello Witherspoon (CB) – Calf injury; returned to practice.
• Poona Ford (DT) – Groin injury; returned to practice.
• Konata Mumpfield (WR) – Ankle injury; cleared for full participation.
• Jared Verse (OLB) – Left practice early last week after bumping knees with Braden Fiske, status to be monitored.

Roster Moves: Tight End Swap and More

The Rams shuffled the roster again this week:

• Signed TE McCallan Castles – The former Tennessee product spent time with the Chargers’ practice squad last season before being waived on August 6. Now, he gets a chance to prove himself in the Rams’ tight end room.
• Waived/Injured TE Anthony Torres – Injury from the Cowboys preseason game ends his bid for a roster spot, at least for now.
• Signed RB Kyren Williams to a three-year extension earlier this offseason.
• Added OL D.J. Humphries, DL Decarius Hawthorne, OT David Quessenberry, and WR/PR Britain Covey to one-year deals.
• Released CB Tre Tomlinson.

Additionally, with McVay stepping aside for this week’s preseason outing, Aubrey Pleasant will serve as acting head coach against the Chargers.

Preseason Momentum: Bennett Steps Up

The Rams’ preseason opener delivered plenty of talking points:

• QB Stetson Bennett looked sharper than last season, guiding the Rams to a 31–21 win over Dallas.
• RB Blake Corum found the end zone twice, showing early promise in the backfield.
• LB Shaun Dolac led the team in defensive snaps, making a strong case for a spot on the 53-man roster.

Rookie usage is a storyline worth tracking. In Week 1:

• Pooh Paul Jr. wore the green dot as the defensive signal caller.
• Jarquez Hunter logged 11 carries for 41 yards, slightly over his planned workload.
• Konata Mumpfield led all Rams receivers in targets (five), pulling in two catches for 24 yards.

Secondary Shuffle: Safety or Corner for Wallace?

The Rams’ defensive backfield remains in flux. Josh Wallace, who played cornerback last season, lined up exclusively at safety in Week 1, with 14 of his 21 snaps coming deep and the rest in the box/slot. Whether he continues in this role or returns to corner is a storyline to watch.

Cam Lampkin’s interception last week was one of the defensive highlights and keeps the competition tight for back-end secondary spots.

Chargers Scouting Report

The Rams’ crosstown rivals have made notable changes heading into 2025:

• WR Keenan Allen returns to the Bolts on a one-year deal after a brief stint with the Bears.
• RB Omarion Hampton, their first-round pick out of North Carolina, joins veteran Najee Harris in a revamped backfield.
• QB Justin Herbert posted 3,870 yards and 23 touchdowns last season with just three interceptions.
• S Derwin James and OLB Tuli Tuipulotu headline a strong defensive core.
• K Cameron Dicker was one of the league’s most accurate kickers last season.

Saints Joint Practice in the Works

McVay confirmed the Rams are finalizing a joint practice with the New Orleans Saints for Thursday in Carson, CA. The session is expected to run from 11 a.m. to just after 1 p.m., pending final field inspections.

Odds and Ends

• Rams debut their new “Rivalries” jerseys at home against Seattle on November 16.
• Super Bowl Odds: +2200 — ninth-best in the NFL.
• The Rams’ official signed merchandise collection is available now at DonLichterman.com.

The Bottom Line

The Rams are balancing preseason momentum with injury caution as they prepare for the Chargers. Stafford’s status will remain the top storyline, but the team’s rookie class, depth battles, and joint practice with the Saints all add layers to a preseason that’s proving anything but dull.

On The Rampage will be watching closely to see who emerges, who returns to health, and which Rams make the leap from camp hopeful to roster lock.