Former Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Darryl Peterson III saved his best performance of the preseason for the biggest moment.
With the Los Angeles Rams clinging to a 20-18 lead over the Los Angeles Chargers, Peterson came up with a game-stealing play that could go a long way toward keeping his NFL dream alive.
Peterson recorded two sacks in the Rams' preseason finale, including an eight-year strip sack of Chargers quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei with just 49 seconds remaining. The play forced a fumble and effectively ended Los Angeles' final attempt at a comeback, allowing the Rams to hold on for the victory and finish the preseason undefeated. It was an impressive conclusion to a preseason that has seen Peterson consistently make his presence felt.
Darryl Peterson III forces the fumble to call game 💪
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) August 28, 2026
📺 @CBSLosAngeles | 📲 https://t.co/R5m5kJYWYi pic.twitter.com/JYGPJDHUp1
His first sack came earlier in the game when he brought down Trey Lance for a five-yard loss. Peterson then delivered his biggest play of the night when the Rams needed it most.
Peterson entered the preseason fighting for a roster spot after signing with Los Angeles as an undrafted free agent out of Wisconsin. The Rams signed him and fellow former Badger Nyzier Fourqurean following the 2026 NFL Draft, which marked the first time since 1978 that Wisconsin did not have a player selected.
BOOM! A SACK FOR THE FOURTH-DOWN STOP! 💥
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) August 28, 2026
📺 @CBSLosAngeles | 📲 https://t.co/R5m5kJYWYi pic.twitter.com/ub0muU75s5
The 6-foot-1, 260-pound Peterson finished his Wisconsin career with 14 sacks and 133 tackles. His final season in Madison was his best as a pass rusher, as he recorded 6.5 sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss in 12 games.
Now, with NFL roster cuts looming, Peterson has given the Rams plenty to think about. After being left off a recent projected 53-man roster, the former Badger couldn't have scripted a better final audition. A two-sack performance capped by a game-winning forced fumble certainly make his case harder to ignore.
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This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Former Wisconsin star makes huge case for Los Angeles Rams roster spot
