Overview
- Simpson entered late in the first quarter and finished 21 of 25 for 190 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions in the Rams' 20-12 preseason win on Saturday, Aug. 15.
- Both of Simpson's touchdown passes went to undrafted running back Dean Connors, and the Rams' second- and third-team defense kept the Chiefs out of the end zone for the full game.
- Stetson Bennett started and played two series while Matthew Stafford was protected and did not play, leaving Simpson and Bennett in a closer competition for the QB2 role.
- Rookie right tackle Keagen Trost exited with a hamstring injury and was ruled out for the game, creating a new depth concern for the Rams' offensive line that the team will monitor.
- Observers note the caveats of preseason play—simplified schemes and vanilla defenses—but Simpson's showing quieted pre-draft doubters and gives the Rams an early look at why they picked him at No. 13, with tight end Max Klare and other rookies also making notable contributions.