The path taken by quarterback Stetson Bennett to the NFL has not been straightforward. He started off as a walk-on for Georgia before moving to junior college, returning to Georgia, and then helping the Bulldogs win back-to-back national titles in the College Football Playoff in the 2021 and 2022 seasons. Bennett, a contender for the 2022 Heisman Trophy, performed well enough during his senior year at Georgia to earn a spot in the 2023 NFL Draught as the 128th overall pick in the fourth round.
His career as a professional football player is currently on hold after the Rams on Wednesday added him on the reserve/non-football injured list. That indicates that he is not participating in team activities for an unspecified cause that is unrelated to an on-field accident. Additionally, the group made a significant acquisition at the quarterback position byBrett Rypien was added to the 53-man roster as Matthew Stafford’s backup, according to Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports NFL Insider.
Bennett’s predicament is “bigger than football,” according to Sean McVay, the head coach of the Rams, who declined to discuss it in detail during his team’s news conference on Wednesday.
When questioned about Bennett’s situation, McVay responded, “I’m not going to have any follow-up information or anything that I will offer in that area. I sincerely hope you will abide by my requests and maintain that within the company. I am aware that you have a task to accomplish, but there are certain matters that are somewhat more significant than the particulars and intricacies. I ask that you leave it there so that we can keep it inside.
When questioned about how Bennett’s absence may affect the quarterback room behind the 35-year-old Stafford, McVay immediately reverted to his standard response that Bennett’s predicament was more serious than football.
“I think there are some things a lot bigger than that,” McVay stated in reference to the Rams’ quarterback room issue. “Brett Rypien has been working for us internally, which is great for us. He is a member of our scout team. In the absence of any developments about Bennett’s condition, he will remain the backup he served as last week. We are now in such situation.
When asked how the quarterback room behind the 35-year-old Stafford may be affected by Bennett’s absence, McVay instantly resorted to his typical statement that Bennett’s situation was more important than football.
Regarding the Rams’ quarterback room issue, McVay said, “I think there are some things a lot bigger than that.” It’s excellent for us that Brett Rypien has been working for us inside. He belongs to our scout team. Bennett will continue to be the backup he was last week if there are no changes in his health. Such a circumstance exists right now.
