Stetson Bennett is a rookie quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams, who was drafted in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL draft after leading the Georgia Bulldogs to back-to-back national championships in college. However, Bennett has been out of action since September, when he was placed on the non-football injury list due to a mysterious shoulder injury. Is Stetson Bennett health OK? What happened to him? And what does it mean for the Rams and fantasy football owners? In this article, we will try to answer these questions and provide the latest updates on Stetson Bennett’s status and recovery.
Stetson Bennett’s Status and Next Game
According to Rams head coach Sean McVay, Bennett is unlikely to return to the field this season, as he continues to deal with his shoulder injury. McVay said that he is not ready to rule out Bennett completely, but he also admitted that it is “probably less likely than it is likely” that the rookie quarterback will play in 2023.
Bennett has not been seen practicing with the team since he was placed on the non-football injury list, and the Rams have not disclosed the specifics of his injury or how he sustained it. Some reports suggest that Bennett hurt his right shoulder during a preseason game against the Denver Broncos, when he was sacked by linebacker Malik Reed. However, this has not been confirmed by the Rams or Bennett himself.
The Rams have been using Brett Rypien as the backup quarterback behind Matthew Stafford, who has been playing at a high level this season. Rypien has not seen any regular season action yet, but he did impress in the preseason, completing 22 of 29 passes for 231 yards and two touchdowns. The Rams are currently 3-5, third in the NFC West division, and will face the Green Bay Packers in their next game on November 5.
Updates on Stetson Bennett’s Health
Bennett has been keeping a low profile since his injury, and has not spoken to the media about his condition or his future plans. The only time he addressed his situation was during the NFL Scouting Combine in March, when he said that he was “doing really well” and that he was looking forward to competing for a spot on the Rams roster.
Bennett also apologized for his arrest in January, when he was charged with public intoxication in Dallas, where he was training for the combine. He said that he made a mistake and that he felt worse about letting his family down. A video of his arrest showed him ranting at the police officers and complaining about his reputation being ruined.
Bennett’s attorney, Todd Shapiro, said that the quarterback was cooperating with the authorities and that he hoped to resolve the case soon. Shapiro also said that Bennett was focused on his recovery and his football career, and that he was confident that he would overcome his challenges.
Implications for the Rams and Fantasy Football
Bennett’s injury has not had a major impact on the Rams’ performance so far, as Stafford has been healthy and productive as the starter. Stafford has thrown for 2,164 yards, 17 touchdowns, and six interceptions, with a passer rating of 101.9. He has also led the Rams to some impressive wins, such as a 34-24 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 3.
However, Bennett’s absence does leave the Rams with less depth and experience at the quarterback position, in case Stafford gets injured or struggles. Rypien has shown some potential, but he has not played in a regular season game since 2020, when he was with the Denver Broncos. He has a career record of 1-1 as a starter, with four touchdowns and four interceptions.
For fantasy football owners, Bennett’s injury does not affect Stafford’s value, as he remains a top-tier quarterback option in most formats. However, it does reduce the handcuff appeal of Rypien, who would not be a reliable replacement for Stafford in case of an emergency. Rypien is only worth rostering in very deep leagues or as a speculative stash.
Latest News and Videos on Stetson Bennett
Despite his injury and his legal troubles, Bennett has not been forgotten by his fans and his former teammates. He has received support and encouragement from many people, including his former Georgia coach Kirby Smart, who said that he was proud of Bennett and that he hoped to see him back on the field soon.
Bennett has also been praised for his remarkable college career, which saw him go from a walk-on to a two-time national champion and a Heisman Trophy finalist. He led the Bulldogs to a 29-1 record in his last two seasons, throwing for 6,990 yards and 56 touchdowns, while also rushing for 464 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Some of his best moments in college include:
- Leading Georgia to a 65-7 rout of TCU in the 2023 national championship game, throwing for 378 yards and four touchdowns, and running for 51 yards and another score.
- Throwing for 404 yards and five touchdowns in a 52-24 win over Alabama in the 2022 SEC championship game, avenging Georgia’s loss to the Crimson Tide in the 2021 national title game.
- Coming off the bench to replace an injured JT Daniels and leading Georgia to a 44-28 comeback win over Florida in 2021, throwing for 131 yards and two touchdowns, and running for 40 yards and a touchdown.
Conclusion
Stetson Bennett is a talented and resilient quarterback, who has overcome many obstacles and achieved great success in his football career. However, he is currently facing some challenges, as he is dealing with a shoulder injury that may keep him out for the rest of the season, and a public intoxication charge that may tarnish his reputation. He has not given up on his NFL dream, though, and he is working hard to recover and prove himself. He has the support of his fans, his family, and his former coaches and teammates, who believe in his potential and his character. We hope to see him back on the field soon, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors.