The preseason is officially in the rearview mirror for the Los Angeles Rams, and now the attention shifts toward the games that actually count. After wrapping up their preseason slate, the Rams have plenty of reasons to feel encouraged, but there are also several major questions that must be answered before the regular-season opener.
With the roster deadline approaching and the first game less than two weeks away, here are four takeaways from the Rams’ final preseason game.
First Down: Rams Put Together a “Historic” Offensive Performance
The Rams’ offense provided
plenty of reason for optimism throughout the preseason, but the most impressive aspect may have been what happened — or didn’t happen — up front.
The Rams did not concede a single sack in any of their preseason games.
That’s an impressive accomplishment regardless of the competition, especially considering how many different combinations of offensive linemen typically receive playing time during the preseason. Protection is one of the biggest concerns for any offense entering a new season, and Los Angeles appears to have established a strong foundation with their starters but also their depth in this case.
Keeping quarterbacks upright has been a consistent priority for Sean McVay, and the Rams’ ability to avoid giving up sacks throughout the preseason could be an early indication that the offensive line is ready for the regular season. Kudos to Ryan Wendell.
Second Down: Tight Squeeze for Rams Draft Picks
The Rams’ 2026 draft class has generated plenty of excitement, but the final roster could tell a different story for some of the team’s rookies.
Wide receiver CJ Daniels and defensive tackle Tim Keenan III appear to be on the bubble as the Rams make their final roster decisions.
That would be notable considering Los Angeles entered the draft with limited draft capital. If Daniels and Keenan don’t make the 53-man roster, two of the Rams’ five draft picks would fail to make the initial team.
That doesn’t necessarily mean the draft class was unsuccessful. Players can develop on the practice squad and eventually work their way onto the active roster. Still, it would be an unusual outcome and shows just how difficult it is for rookies to immediately establish themselves in a competitive NFL roster.
Third Down: Ty Simpson May Have Been the Right Pick
There were plenty of analysts who believed the Rams reached when they selected quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick.
The preseason, however, has provided some evidence that Los Angeles may have identified a potential gem.
Simpson has shown enough to make the Rams’ decision look increasingly defensible. His physical tools, poise and ability to operate within McVay’s system have stood out, particularly for a young quarterback making the transition to the NFL.
It’s obviously far too early to declare Simpson a franchise quarterback based on preseason performances. But if he continues developing, the Rams could eventually look back at No. 13 of the 2026 draft as one of the more important picks of the McVay era.
Fourth Down: Potential Suspensions Loom
Perhaps the biggest uncertainty surrounding the Rams isn’t even related to the roster.
With the regular-season opener now less than 14 days away, questions remain regarding potential suspensions for Alaric Jackson and Puka Nacua.
The possibility of either player missing time continues to be a major talking point as Los Angeles prepares for the regular season. Jackson’s potential absence would impact the offensive line, while losing Nacua would create an even more significant challenge for an offense expecting him to be one of its primary weapons.
The Rams can prepare for several possibilities, but until the NFL makes its decisions, there remains a cloud of uncertainty hanging over the roster.
The preseason is over. Now, the Rams have to turn their attention toward making the final cuts, preparing for potential absences and getting ready for the games that matter most.
