LOS ANGELES — The Rams open the 2026 NFL common season in opposition to the San Francisco 49ers on Sept. 10 at Melbourne Cricket Ground. But first, they play yet one more preseason recreation Thursday in opposition to the Los Angeles Chargers after which should reduce their roster to 53 gamers by 6 p.m. ET on Sunday.
Who will make the crew? Which positions have robust selections on deck? And the place may the lineup be deepest and thinnest this season?
This roster projection would not embrace Aaron Donald, who’s at present going via a “regimented” process to find out whether or not he needs to return out of retirement. This is an offensive-heavy projection, partially as a result of it contains six receivers, 5 tight ends and 10 offensive linemen.
Here is our projection for the 53-man roster for the Rams.
Quarterbacks (3)
Matthew Stafford, Stetson Bennett IV, Ty Simpson
After the Rams drafted Simpson with the No. 13 decide in April, coach Sean McVay mentioned the rookie and Bennett would compete to again up Stafford. After two preseason video games, McVay has not introduced who has received that job. This projection contains all three quarterbacks, as Bennett has taken the vast majority of the second-team reps throughout coaching camp.
Running backs (4)
Kyren Williams, Blake Corum, Ronnie Rivers, Jarquez Hunter
Williams and Corum had a few 65-35 % cut up in carries final season, with Williams dashing for 1,252 yards and 10 touchdowns on 259 carries. That might look nearer to a 50-50 cut up this season if each working backs can keep wholesome.
Wide receivers (6)
Davante Adams, Puka Nacua, Jordan Whittington, Konata Mumpfield, Xavier Smith, CJ Daniels
Last season, Adams led the league in landing receptions (14) and Nacua led the NFL with 129 catches. Whittington and Mumpfield are possible competing for the No. 3 receiver spot behind that pair.
Tight ends (5)
Tyler Higbee, Terrance Ferguson, Colby Parkinson, Davis Allen, Max Klare
Five tight ends on a 53-man roster can be unparalleled for many groups — and the Rams earlier than final season — nevertheless it appears the almost definitely situation going into coaching camp. Los Angeles had 331 performs in 13 personnel last season, greater than twice as many as another crew, based on ESPN Research.
Offensive linemen (10)
Alaric Jackson, Steve Avila, Coleman Shelton, Kevin Dotson, Warren McClendon Jr., David Quessenberry, Beaux Limmer, Keagen Trost, Dylan McMahon, Justin Dedich
The Rams have a number of unsure spots on the offensive line given Jackson’s legal situation and potential suspension. Trost, a rookie third-round decide, injured his hamstring within the Rams’ preseason opener and will miss a number of weeks. Dedich missed all of coaching camp on the NFI checklist after injuring his hand in early July.
Defensive linemen (5)
Kobie Turner, Poona Ford, Braden Fiske, Tyler Davis, Tim Keenan III
If Donald decides to return, that might shake up this group. Donald, a future Hall of Fame defensive deal with, retired in March 2024. Turner, a third-round decide in 2023, goes into the final season of his rookie contract and is a candidate for a contract extension.
Linebackers (8)
Myles Garrett, Byron Young, Josaiah Stewart, Desjuan Johnson, Nate Landman, Omar Speights, Shaun Dolac, Grant Stuard
The largest offseason addition for the Rams got here on June 1, after they traded for Garrett, the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Young, who’s coming off a 12-sack season for Los Angeles, can be coming into the final season of his rookie deal.
Cornerbacks (5)
Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson, Josh Wallace, Emmanuel Forbes Jr., Cam Lampkin
The Rams revamped this room after last season, buying and selling for McDuffie and signing Watson to a three-year, $51 million deal. Lampkin, who has spent many of the previous two seasons on the Rams’ follow squad, impressed throughout coaching camp.
Safeties (4)
Quentin Lake, Kam Curl, Kamren Kinchens, Jaylen McCollough
The Rams have continuity of their security room after signing Lake to a contract extension through the 2025 season and re-signing Curl earlier than the beginning of free company. Kinchens, a third-round decide in 2024, may very well be a breakout candidate for the group.
Special groups (3)
Harrison Mevis (Ok), Ethan Evans (P), Joe Cardona (LS)
Special groups was a weak point for the Rams final season, forcing an in-season change at kicker and long-snapper. Mevis, who took over in mid-November, missed only one kick in 9 regular-season video games and was good through the playoffs.