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Rams review: Ty Simpson finds rhythm in preseason debut

August 16, 2026

The Rams began their preseason with a 20-12 victory against the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday afternoon. But the headline from the day comes from the performance of rookie quarterback Ty Simpson, who showcased a confident-and-efficient effort behind center after few reps during training camp.

With first-round expectations, he appeared up to snuff as offensive coordinator Nate Scheelhaase led play-calling on offense. Here’s what we learned as the Rams held the Chiefs at bay while introducing a handful of rookies looking to scratch and claw their way onto the Rams’ final 53-man roster.

Welcome to the league

The weight of expectations has been on Simpson’s shoulders since the Rams selected him 13th overall in the first round of the NFL draft in April.

That’s the gig when you’re a first-round quarterback.

Although Stetson Bennett IV started the game – playing two series with 4-for-6 passing for 38 yards, including a drive that ended in a 26-yard field goal from kicker Harrison Mevis (3 for 3 on field goals) after rookie tight end Max Klare couldn’t hold onto a ball in the end zone through contact – Simpson entered the game for the final play of the first quarter.

He didn’t disappoint on first impression, finishing the day with 190 passing yards and two touchdowns while completing 21 of 25 passes.

“It was a really good day for (Simpson),” McVay told reporters in Kansas City. He just felt like he was in good command and it was cool to see a good smile on his face.”

On a play-action pass, Simpson caught Klare for an eight-yard gain and his first (unofficial) NFL completed pass. Later in the second quarter, Simpson showed his ability and composure with his feet, rolling out to the right after the snap and making consecutive double-digit-yardage passes to tight end Mark Redman (23 yards) and wide receiver Tyler Scott (13 yards).

“I definitely felt more comfortable than I ever had coming into a game,” Simpson told reporters in Kansas City, “but I also didn’t know what to expect.”

In the fourth quarter, Simpson soaked up pressure to find undrafted rookie running back Dean Connors for a nine-yard screen pass and touchdown – the pair’s first touchdown in professional action. Simpson later finished an eight-play, 87-yard drive by finding Connors once more for a two-yard touchdown and a 20-9 lead.

“Bless the fact that he was able to play in the SEC,” Rams quarterbacks coach Dave Ragone said of Simpson on the CBS television broadcast. “So, the speed (for Simpson) is pretty good there as well. … Ultimately how we try to tell the quarterbacks to play the position is leading with their eyes and their feet.”

Klare, the Rams’ second-round draft pick, might not suit up on game days come the regular season, considering the team’s tight end depth. However, he showed why general manager Les Snead opted to bring in the 6-foot-4 tight end, recording a seven-reception, 37-yard effort during his first preseason game.

Fourth-round running back Jarquez Hunter tallied 35 rushing yards on nine carries.

Offensive line scare

After two drives at Arrowhead Stadium, the Rams suffered their first injury of the preseason when third-round draft pick Keagen Trost was ruled out with a hamstring injury. Trost, who told the Southern California News Group earlier this week that he was excited to go up against new colors against the Chiefs, was visibly frustrated on the sidelines, according to CBS LA sideline reporter Darren Haynes.

The former Missouri offensive lineman has spent time at both tackle spots during training camp and started at right tackle Saturday. Blake Hance, who played four games for the Tennessee Titans last season, slotted in at right tackle starting in the second quarter after Trost’s exit.

Trost is expected to be an important depth piece for the Rams, considering a suspension might be looming for starting left tackle Alaric Jackson, the elder status of backup tackle David Quessenberry and Justin Dedich still out with an offseason hand injury.

Bend but don’t break

Defensive line coach Giff Smith (first half) and outside linebackers coach Joe Coniglio (second half) called plays for the Rams on Saturday, holding the Chiefs to four field goals.

Familiar faces such as defensive lineman Desjuan Johnson and defensive back Cam Lampkin played, with the former chasing down Chiefs quarterback Garrett Nussmeier for a sack and a 13-yard loss. Nick Andersen, an undrafted rookie safety from Wake Forest, led the team with nine tackles, two pass deflections and a tackle for loss.

Extra points

Running back Ronnie Rivers, wide receivers Konata Mumpfield and Jordan Whittington, outside linebacker Josiah Stewart, defensive end Tyler Davis and cornerback Josh Wallace were inactive for the Rams. Their absences potentially bode well for their potential roles on the final 53-man roster, considering McVay’s tendency to rest potential starters and backups.

Wide receiver Xavier Smith brought out a punt return for 40 yards, much to the visible excitement of first-year Rams special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone on the sidelines. McVay told reporters that wide receiver Mario Williams suffered a hamstring injury on a kick return attempt.

McVay reiterated to reporters in Kansas City that out of respect for the dialogue between himself and three-time Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald, he wouldn’t put a timeline on the star defensive tackle’s decision on whether he’d return from his 2023 retirement.

The Rams host the New Orleans Saints on Aug. 22 to continue their preseason, just days after they meet with the Saints for a joint practice Thursday.

Orange County Register

News Details

Rams review: Ty Simpson finds rhythm in preseason debut

Welcome to the league

Offensive line scare

Bend but don’t break

Extra points

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