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6d ago

Bennett to Start, Simpson to Debut as Mahomes and Stafford Sit Out Preseason Opener

The teams are limiting starter game time to protect health and to give backups live reps ahead of final roster cuts.

Green Bay Packers cornerback Brandon Cisse (2) jogs to the next warm-up station during practice on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at the Don Hutson Center in Ashwaubenon, Wis. Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Green Bay Packers offensive linemen Dillon Wade (68) and Jordan Morgan (77) run through a drill during the first day of training camp on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at the Don Hutson Center in Ashwaubenon, Wis. Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Green Bay Packers defensive lineman Lukas Van Ness (90) runs through a drill during the second day of training camp Thursday, July 30, 2026, at the Don Hutson Center in Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin.
Green Bay Packers safeties Evan Williams (33) and Xavier McKinney (29) run through a drill during the first day of training camp on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at the Don Hutson Center in Ashwaubenon, Wis. Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Overview

  • Rams coach Sean McVay announced that Stetson Bennett will start the preseason opener while rookie first-round pick Ty Simpson will make his NFL debut in limited snaps and Matthew Stafford will not suit up.
  • Chiefs coach Andy Reid confirmed Patrick Mahomes will not play and that reps will be split among Justin Fields, Garrett Nussmeier and Chris Oladokun.
  • The preseason game between Kansas City and Los Angeles is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 15 at 4 p.m. ET and will air nationally on NFL Network with local broadcasts on CBS LA and KSHB 41.
  • Los Angeles selected Simpson at No. 13 in the 2026 draft but has kept him behind Bennett on the depth chart as the team appears intent to develop him gradually rather than thrust him into a starting role this season.
  • The choices mirror a broader NFL approach this preseason to protect franchise quarterbacks from injury while using limited live snaps to evaluate backup options and inform 53-man roster decisions, and Mahomes is being managed on a recovery timeline that targets the regular-season opener.