Stetson Bennett is back to work with the Rams.
The two-time national champion quarterback is participating in the team’s offseason program, according to head coach Sean McVay, after missing most of his rookie season upon being placed on the reserve/non-football injury list in September.
“He’s had a good look in his eyes. He’s been attentive in the meetings,” McVay said this week of Bennett, whom the Rams selected in the fourth round of last year’s NFL draft.
The 26-year-old quarterback, who was expected to be Matthew Stafford’s backup last season, was ruled out with a shoulder injury before a Week 1 matchup versus the Seahawks.
Upon Bennett being placed on the NFI list in September, McVay did not elaborate.
“There are certain things that I think are a little bit bigger and more important, and out of respect for the particulars and the specifics want to be able to keep it in-house and that’s where I’d like to leave it please,” the Super Bowl-winning coach said.
Bennett’s absence extended through the 2023 season, with McVay providing a vague update about the matter in January when asked about the quarterback’s availability for 2024.
“I don’t know that,” McVay said. “I think that’s a conversation for another time. I think he’s doing better, but I wouldn’t be in a position to answer that accurately right now. That’s probably a long way away from me being able to answer that.”
The Rams went on to sign former Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to a one-year deal in March following his failed one-season stint in Las Vegas.
Bennett is attending Rams team meetings and lifting weights as part of the offseason program.
The road to the NFL was a rocky one for Bennett, who was arrested for public intoxication in Dallas in January 2023.
The incident transpired shortly after Georgia’s national title win versus TCU that same month.
It was suspected the matter could impact Stetson’s draft stock.
“It was a mistake that everybody’s aware of,” Bennett told the media of his arrest at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine.
“I understand why that can’t happen. I’ve talked to coaches about it, talked to GMs. I’ve apologized to my family. That’s who I felt worse about; I felt like I let them down because no matter where I go now [people are going to know about it].”
The Rams ultimately selected Bennett in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft at No. 128 overall.