Time to prove it to Rams QB Stetson Bennett in preseason opener vs. Dallas

Stetson Bennett hasn’t taken a game photo since the Rams’ final preseason game last year in Denver.

So the quarterback is looking forward to Sunday’s preseason opener against the Dallas Cowboys at SoFi Stadium.

“I’m excited to play football again,” Bennett said.

Bennett, a two-time national champion at Georgia and a fourth-round pick in the 2023 draft, struggled in the Denver loss. Soon after, the sheep placed him on the NFL’s non-football injury/illness list and he spent the season away from the team.

During the spring, Bennett returned to the Rams for off-season workouts, recognizing that there was addressed mental health issues and returned to a position group that includes starter Matthew Stafford and backup Jimmy Garoppolo.

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Stafford and other starters will not play preseason games, and coach Sean McVay said Friday he had not decided whether Garoppolo would play.

Regardless, Bennett is expected to receive the bulk of the work while McVay cedes play-calling duties to offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur.

Bennett has “a beautiful swagger and charisma that is fun to watch,” McVay said. On Sunday, McVay wants to see Bennett command the huddle, manage the offense and capitalize on the opportunity.

“When I see him at his best, he’s having fun and that’s really consistent with all players,” McVay said. “So go let loose, play and have fun.

“I thought we felt that in the first preseason game, a little bit last year when he was shining and doing that kind of thing. So that’s what I’m looking forward to seeing.”

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Bennett said “fun for me” is preparing and executing plays.

“It’s not running, jumping and jumping,” he said. “It’s playing as a defender – playing well, making good passes and making good decisions.”

After a joint practice with the Cowboys on Thursday, McVay said he was leaning toward not playing against Garoppolo, but would have a conversation with the veteran to gauge whether he wanted to play before making a decision.

Under normal circumstances — McVay doesn’t play as a starter or other key players during the preseason — this wouldn’t be an issue. But Garoppolo is suspended for the first two games of the regular season for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing substances policy while playing for the Las Vegas Raiders. Therefore, the preseason is Garoppolo’s only opportunity to take game photos before the Sept. 22 game against the San Francisco 49ers.

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“Either way, I’m pretty open,” Garoppolo, who began his career with the New England Patriots, said about playing during the preseason. “I’ve been on both sides. With the Patriots, you never know if you’re going to play or if you’re not going to play, so I’m always ready.

“Whatever [McVay] decide I’ll be ready to. I think it’s good to get out there and let the guys feel you in the huddle. It’s just different, that game day feeling and the energy of being out there. You try to replicate it, but it’s just different.”

If he doesn’t play during the preseason, Garoppolo said he will be ready when he is eligible in Week 3.

“It comes back very quickly,” he said. “It’s more about being on the same page with the guys, especially the receivers, timing, things like that. But we do a lot here, all these little things, they’re adding up.”

Other things to watch out for on Sunday:

Which draft picks will be played?

Probably not rookie Jared Verse, the No. 19 pick in the draft, nor second-round pick Braden Fiske, a defensive tackle. The former Florida State teammates are expected to be major contributors during the season, so it seems unlikely that McVay will take a chance on playing against them.

Third-round picks running back Blake Corum and safety Kamren Kinchens could also hold out.

Defensive lineman Brennan Jackson was sidelined recently with what McVay described as a “soft tissue” injury, but defensive lineman Tyler Davis, kicker Joshua Karty, receiver Jordan Whittington and center Beaux Limmer — all picked Friday round – must play.

Seventh-round pick KT Leveston suffered an ankle injury during a joint practice with the Chargers.

Keep an eye out…

Who will run the ball? Second-year pro Zach Evans will likely have the most runs. Veterans Ronnie Rivers and Boston Scott were also able to play.

Any cornerbacks in the mix? Undrafted free agents Charles Woods and Josh Wallace impressed during training camp.

What about the new initial return? Neither the Rams nor the Cowboys – or any other NFL team – are expected to showcase their regular-season strategy during preseason games, but Karty will have the opportunity to start making fans forget about the Rams’ 2023 misfortunes in attempts to field goal and extra points.

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This story originally appeared on Los Angeles Times.