The Los Angeles Rams open the 2026 NFL regular season against the San Francisco 49ers on Sept. 10 at Melbourne Cricket Ground. Before then, they will play one final preseason game Thursday against the Los Angeles Chargers before reducing their roster to 53 players by 6 p.m. ET Sunday.
Which players will make the team? Which positions feature the most difficult decisions? And where will the Rams be deepest and thinnest this season?
This 53-man roster projection does not include Aaron Donald, who is currently undergoing a “regimented” process to determine whether he wants to return from retirement. The projection is weighted toward the offense, with six wide receivers, five tight ends and 10 offensive linemen.
Rams 53-man roster projection
Quarterbacks (3)
Matthew Stafford, Stetson Bennett IV, Ty Simpson
After the Rams selected Simpson with the No. 13 pick in April, coach Sean McVay said the rookie and Bennett would compete to become Stafford’s backup. McVay has not announced a winner after two preseason games. This projection keeps all three quarterbacks, with Bennett taking most of the second-team reps during training camp.
Running backs (4)
Kyren Williams, Blake Corum, Ronnie Rivers, Jarquez Hunter
Williams and Corum split carries roughly 65-35 last season, with Williams rushing for 1,252 yards and 10 touchdowns on 259 attempts. If both running backs remain healthy, the workload could move closer to an even 50-50 split this season.
Wide receivers (6)
Davante Adams, Puka Nacua, Jordan Whittington, Konata Mumpfield, Xavier Smith, CJ Daniels
Adams led the league with 14 touchdown receptions last season, while Nacua paced the NFL with 129 catches. Whittington and Mumpfield are likely competing for the No. 3 receiver role behind Adams and Nacua.
Tight ends (5)
Tyler Higbee, Terrance Ferguson, Colby Parkinson, Davis Allen, Max Klare
Five tight ends on a 53-man roster would be unusual for most teams and for the Rams before last season, but it appears to be the most likely scenario heading into training camp. Los Angeles ran 331 plays in 13 personnel last season, more than twice as many as any other team, according to ESPN Research.
Offensive linemen (10)
Alaric Jackson, Steve Avila, Coleman Shelton, Kevin Dotson, Warren McClendon Jr., David Quessenberry, Beaux Limmer, Keagen Trost, Dylan McMahon, Justin Dedich
The Rams have several unsettled positions on the offensive line because of Jackson’s legal situation and the possibility of a suspension. Trost, a rookie third-round pick, injured his hamstring in the Rams’ preseason opener and could miss several weeks. Dedich missed all of training camp while on the NFI list after injuring his hand in early July.
Defensive linemen (5)
Kobie Turner, Poona Ford, Braden Fiske, Tyler Davis, Tim Keenan III
Donald’s decision on whether to return would significantly alter this group. The future Hall of Fame defensive tackle retired in March 2024. Turner, a third-round pick in 2023, is entering the final season of his rookie contract and could be a candidate for an extension.
Linebackers (8)
Myles Garrett, Byron Young, Josaiah Stewart, Desjuan Johnson, Nate Landman, Omar Speights, Shaun Dolac, Grant Stuard
The Rams made their biggest offseason addition June 1, when they acquired Garrett, the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, in a trade. Young is also entering the final season of his rookie contract after recording 12 sacks for Los Angeles last season.
Cornerbacks (5)
Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson, Josh Wallace, Emmanuel Forbes Jr., Cam Lampkin
The Rams reshaped their cornerback group after last season by trading for McDuffie and signing Watson to a three-year, $51 million contract. Lampkin, who spent most of the past two seasons on the Rams’ practice squad, impressed during training camp.
Safeties (4)
Quentin Lake, Kam Curl, Kamren Kinchens, Jaylen McCollough
Los Angeles has continuity at safety after signing Lake to a contract extension during the 2025 season and re-signing Curl before free agency began. Kinchens, a third-round pick in 2024, could emerge as a breakout candidate.
Special teams (3)
Harrison Mevis (K), Ethan Evans (P), Joe Cardona (LS)
Special teams was a weakness for the Rams last season, prompting in-season changes at kicker and long snapper. Mevis took over in mid-November, missed only one kick in nine regular-season games and was perfect during the playoffs.
Play the No. 1 fantasy game
It’s never too early to start your championship run. Create a league with friends and family, or join a public league today. Sign Up Now!
