Rams’ 53-man roster prediction for 2026 NFL season

The Los Angeles Rams enter the 2026 season with a roster capable of making another deep postseason run. Matthew Stafford leads an offense featuring Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, and Kyren Williams, while Myles Garrett joins Byron Young, Kobie Turner, and Braden Fiske on a talented defensive front.

Most starting positions are settled, but the Rams’ unofficial depth chart leaves several competitions unresolved. Los Angeles must settle the backup quarterback order, reserve running back roles, final receiver spots, offensive-line depth, defensive reserves, and return assignments.

The Rams are 2-0 in the preseason after beating the Kansas City Chiefs 20-12 and New Orleans Saints 34-0. Ty Simpson and Dean Connors connected for two touchdowns in the victory over the Chiefs. Stetson Bennett IV, Wesley Bailey, and Alex Cook then strengthened their cases vs. the Saints.

The Rams conclude the 2026 NFL preseason against the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday before opening the regular season against the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne on September 10. The NFL roster-reduction deadline is Sunday before 6 p.m. ET, when teams must reach the 53-player limit.

Here is our projection for what the Rams’ initial 53-man roster will look like when the deadline arrives on Sunday.

Quarterbacks (3)

Matthew Stafford, Stetson Bennett IV, Ty Simpson

Stafford remains the unquestioned starter, but Sean McVay has not selected his backup. Simpson’s 21-of-25 performance for 190 yards and two touchdowns against Kansas City reinforced the first-round pick’s developmental value. Bennett’s experience in the offense and two rushing touchdowns against New Orleans earn him third place. Thursday could determine their order behind Stafford. Matthew Caldwell projects to the practice squad.

Running Backs (4)

Kyren Williams, Blake Corum, Ronnie Rivers, Jarquez Hunter

Williams and Corum lead the backfield. Rivers stays because of his experience on special teams and ability to contribute in the return game. Hunter earns the final spot based on the Rams’ 2025 fourth-round investment and his 12-yard touchdown against New Orleans. Connors is the most difficult cut after catching both of Simpson’s touchdowns vs. Kansas City. The projection here places Connors and Jordan Waters on the practice-squad radar.

Wide Receivers (5)

Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, Jordan Whittington, Konata Mumpfield, Xavier Smith

Nacua and Adams headline the group, with Whittington positioned for an expanded role. Mumpfield provides experienced depth in the offense. Smith’s receiving ability and value as the projected punt returner secure the final place after his 40-yard return against Kansas City. Sixth-round pick CJ Daniels is the notable cut, but the Rams could attempt to develop him on the practice squad alongside Brennan Presley or Tyler Scott.

Tight Ends (5)

Tyler Higbee, Colby Parkinson, Davis Allen, Terrance Ferguson, Max Klare

Los Angeles’ extensive use of multiple-tight-end formations makes keeping five reasonable. Higbee, Parkinson, Allen, and Ferguson all contributed last season, while second-round pick Klare caught seven passes in his preseason debut. Allen also returned to individual drills Monday following a quadriceps injury. Klare’s draft status and receiving potential eliminate any realistic bubble concerns. Mark Redman remains a strong practice-squad candidate.

Offensive Line (9)

Alaric Jackson, Steve Avila, Coleman Shelton, Kevin Dotson, Warren McClendon Jr., David Quessenberry, Beaux Limmer, Justin Dedich, Keagen Trost

Jackson, Avila, Shelton, Dotson, and McClendon form the projected starting line. Quessenberry supplies veteran tackle depth, while Limmer and Dedich provide interior versatility.

Although the live roster still displays Dedich under Reserve/NFI, the Rams’ newer injury update says he passed his physical and practiced Monday. The projection therefore counts him on the 53. Los Angeles remains hopeful Trost can return from his hamstring injury before Week 1. Austin Blaske, Blake Hance, and Dylan McMahon are the leading alternatives.

Defensive Line (5)

Kobie Turner, Braden Fiske, Poona Ford, Tyler Davis, Ty Hamilton

Turner, Fiske, and Ford anchor the interior, with Davis serving as an experienced rotational option. Hamilton earns the final spot after appearing in 14 games last season and providing additional size against the run. The Rams can afford to carry five because Desjuan Johnson offers flexibility between the defensive line and edge. Larrell Murchison is the notable veteran cut, while seventh-round pick Tim Keenan III could land on the practice squad.

Outside Linebackers/Edge Rushers (5)

Myles Garrett, Byron Young, Josaiah Stewart, Desjuan Johnson, Wesley Bailey

Garrett and Young give Los Angeles two established perimeter rushers. Stewart’s growth into a more versatile defender makes him the primary reserve, while Johnson can move between alignments. Bailey claims the final spot after producing five tackles, one sack, three quarterback hits, and a forced fumble against New Orleans. Tomon Fox and Darryl Peterson III remain in contention, making Thursday especially important for the reserve edge group.

Inside Linebackers (4)

Omar Speights, Nate Landman, Shaun Dolac, Grant Stuard

Landman and Speights return as the starting tandem after combining for 217 tackles last season. Dolac provides defensive depth and strengthened his case with an interception late in training camp. Stuard makes the roster because of his special-teams experience and two-year contract. Elias Neal, Nikhai Hill-Green, and Monty Rice are fighting for practice-squad opportunities.

Cornerbacks (5)

Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson, Emmanuel Forbes Jr., Josh Wallace, Cam Lampkin

McDuffie and Watson are the projected starters, with Forbes positioned to handle a significant role in subpackages. Wallace’s experience in the system makes him a valuable fourth option. Lampkin earns the final spot after spending last season on the practice squad and producing a fourth-down pass breakup against New Orleans. Al’zillion Hamilton remains a serious challenger after his interception against the Saints, while recently added Steven Gilmore faces a short evaluation window.

Safeties (5)

Quentin Lake, Kam Curl, Kamren Kinchens, Jaylen McCollough, Alex Cook

Lake and Curl lead a versatile group supported by Kinchens and McCollough. Lake’s ability to work from the slot gives the Rams additional flexibility in the secondary. Cook forces his way onto the roster after returning an interception 100 yards for a touchdown vs. the Saints. He must also demonstrate coverage-unit value to justify the fifth safety spot. Tanner Ingle and Nick Andersen project as practice-squad candidates.

Special Teams (3)

Harrison Mevis (K), Ethan Evans (P), Joe Cardona (LS)

Mevis, Evans, and Cardona hold the three specialist positions. Smith projects as the primary punt returner, while the depth chart lists Whittington ahead of Rivers on kickoffs. The Chargers game could determine the final division of those duties. International Player Exemption punter Jack Bouwmeester could continue his development in the additional international practice squad spot.

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