Sean McVay refuses to put timeline on potential return of QB Stetson Bennett
Sean McVay provided an update on Stetson Bennett IV as the rookie quarterback continues his stint on the non-football/illness list.
According to Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic, McVay is declining to put a timetable on Bennett’s return to the team, but he revealed he’s stayed in touch with the former Georgia Bulldogs star, and believes his spirits are high at the moment.
“He’s doing really well, which I was really encouraged to be able to hear,” McVay said. “Got a chance to hear his voice and he sounds really good, and that was really cool to hear.”
Moreover, Bennett was placed on the non-football/illness list earlier last week, and many wondered what was going on, as the team revealed it wasn’t related to a shoulder issue that was listed on the injury prior. The Rams have chosen not disclose further details on the matter, respecting their quarterback’s privacy.
Los Angeles inked Bennett to a four-year rookie contract, according to ESPN’s Field Yates, following the 2023 NFL Draft. Bennett impressed them while in Athens, winning back-to-back national titles with the Bulldogs and was a Heisman finalist last season. The Rams selected him in the fourth round.
In his last two seasons with Georgia, Bennett led the Bulldogs to a 29-1 record. In that time span, he threw for 6,990 yards and 56 touchdown passes along with 464 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground.
Along with two national championship rings, Bennett brings a fair share of hardware with him to Los Angeles. Bennett was one of four finalists for the Heisman Trophy this year, was a finalist for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, and a semifinalist for the Davey O’Brien Award. He also took home the 2022 Burlsworth Trophy, awarded annually to the country’s outstanding player who began his career as a walk-on.
While Bennett’s NFL future was a controversial topic throughout his time in college, Los Angeles believed in the quarterback’s abilities. His slighter stature compared to the average NFL quarterback gave some pause, but not the Rams.
Additionally, Bennett flashed during the preseason, proving that Los Angeles was the perfect place for him. He was originally slated to backup Matthew Stafford, but has taken a back seat as he deals with some off-field issues.
Hopefully we can see Stetson Bennett IV get back on the field sooner rather than later, as he continues to work through some personal battles.