Former Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Stetson Bennett was named the Los Angeles Rams' backup quarterback for their season opener against the San Francisco 49ers. In a surprise, Bennett saw his first NFL regular season game action. He got to play on one drive with the game out of reach.
The Rams, who were the NFL's preseason Super Bowl favorites, fell behind 27-7 to San Francisco. With the game already decided late in the fourth quarter, Los Angeles let starting quarterback Matthew Stafford rest.
On the game's final drive, Bennett ran once for nine yards and completed two of three passes for 13 yards. Bennett led the Rams down the field well into San Francisco territory before the clock ran out.
The Rams leave Australia with an 0-1 record, but Los
Angeles does not leave with a quarterback controversy. Stafford is the NFL's most recent MVP winner and the Rams came up short against a very good 49ers team.
Week 1 was still a memorable one for Bennett, who beat out Ty Simpson for the No. 2 quarterback job. The Rams still plan to have competition for the backup role, but it was good to see Bennett get his first NFL regular season action. He was already having a successful trip just for having won the backup role. Getting to see game action completes a special week for Bennett.
"Stetson Bennett playing in the NFL is a truly great sports story," Brent Rollins said via social media. "Doesn’t matter how much or little it happens moving forward. Ultimate against all odds kid."
Stetson Bennett's first completion
Stetson Bennett IV makes his NFL debut and throws his first career completion after replacing Matthew Stafford late in the fourth quarter. pic.twitter.com/YL2vfRR7gk
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) September 11, 2026
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This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: Former Georgia QB Stetson Bennett makes NFL debut
