Why Rams are hoping Ty Simpson won't play in 2026 rookie season

The Los Angeles Rams made a very interesting decision during the 2026 NFL Draft, taking Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the No. 13 overall selection in the first round.

Instead of taking someone like Kenyon Sadiq, KC Concepcion, Makai Lemon, or one of the top offensive linemen still on the board, the Rams went with a backup quarterback. Now with the 2026 season about to get underway, how do the Rams plan to use Simpson?

Well, as ESPN's Dan Graziano pointed out, the Rams are actually hoping that Simpson doesn't play in 2026. The reason why is simple: Simpson playing would mean something went very wrong.

Why Rams hope Ty Simpson doesn't play in 2026

"The Rams hope they don't even have to think about using him this season, because that would mean something happened to reigning MVP Matthew Stafford," Graziano writes.

While Simpson did look good during the 2026 preseason, and there is some long-term optimism about Simpson looking well into the future, seeing him play in 2026 would not be a good look for the Rams at all.

As Graziano notes, that would likely mean Matthew Stafford got hurt and was going to miss some time. Whether it's for one week or multiple, seeing Stafford not playing would be bad news for the Rams.

There is only one specific scenario in which Simpson getting a start for the Rams this season would not be a bad thing.

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If the Rams secured the division and were locked into their playoff seeding by the end of the year, then the Rams might as well see what Simpson could do in Week 18 while the rest of the Rams' main starters get rest for the playoffs.

Any other scenario where Simpson is out on the field in 2026 would be a complete disaster. Sure, Simpson could play well and still get the Rams to the playoffs.

But losing the reigning MVP and a likely future Hall of Famer in Stafford in an all-in season would make for a disastrous season.

So, just like how the Rams are hoping to not see Simpson play in 2026, Rams fans should be hoping for the same thing. Simpson playing would mean disaster, regardless of how he plays, taking over for Stafford.

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