Will Sean McVay, Rams use Ty Simpson in preseason?

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 23: Ty Simpson of Alabama embraces NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected 13th overall by the Los Angeles Chargers during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Our very own Ethan wrote about how much Ty Simpson could play in the 2026 season, and I've listened to Locked On Rams talk about Simpson's future with the Los Angeles Rams, it all has me wondering will Simpson take any snaps in the NFL Preseason? Or not?

Sean McVay and his use of starters in preseason

Sean McVay's plans in the preseason are always discussed as he typically chooses not to use key players. Back in 2017, he did play Jared Goff and some other notable names sparingly, but since that year, McVay has seemingly opted to rest his starters, and main contributors, while others get the chance to shine leading up to the regular season.

McVay has said that as long as he's the head coach, he'll never use Matthew Stafford in the preseason, so we know there are snaps to take. Will Simpson be the one to take them? Will L.A. role again with Stetson Bennett getting prime preseason looks? Will it be another quarterback we don't even know about yet?

Does McVay know if Simpson will take snaps in the preseason?

In May? He'll likely let the situation develop organically, so, no, odds are McVay doesn't know (yet) if Simpson will be used in the preseason, but whether he takes preseason reps or not, Simpson's about to get plenty of looks in the coming months as long as he stays healthy.

You can argue both ways: Simpson should and shouldn't take snaps in the preseason

Pro preseason snaps: There is no experience like game experience, and preseason game experience for a rookie like Simpson is better than none at all.

Anti preseason snaps: Simpson should get great experience practicing against other NFL players, learning from NFL coaches and being in the Rams' program. Simpson doesn't need preseason.

Expect this topic to be revisited.

McVay's decision to play Simpson in the preseason or not could indicate where he's at in his development, it also could mean nothing, but one thing is certain: Fans will tune in to watch Simpson play, whether that's this preseason or at a later time.