Your Free Guide to Rams Quarterback Depth Chart

Understanding the Rams Quarterback Depth Chart Structure

The Los Angeles Rams quarterback depth chart is a ranking system that shows which quarterbacks are available to play in games, listed in order of priority. The depth chart typically includes three positions: the starter (the primary quarterback), the backup (second string), and the third-string quarterback. This structure helps coaches, fans, and media understand who would take the field if the starting quarterback becomes unavailable due to injury or performance issues.

The Rams organization maintains this depth chart throughout the season, updating it based on player performance, injuries, and strategic decisions made by the coaching staff. The depth chart is not static—it can change week to week or even during games. Teams may adjust their rankings based on practice performance, game results, and how well players execute the offensive scheme.

The depth chart serves several important functions. First, it communicates to team officials and players who the coaching staff trusts most for game situations. Second, it provides transparency to fans who want to understand team decisions. Third, it helps other teams in the league prepare for matchups by knowing which quarterback they will likely face. Fourth, it can influence player decisions about staying with a team or seeking opportunities elsewhere.

Historically, the Rams have used various systems for managing their quarterback position. In recent years, the team has invested significantly in acquiring established starting quarterbacks. Before the 2023 season, the Rams made changes to their quarterback situation, which affected the entire depth chart structure and how the organization approached the position moving forward.

Practical Takeaway: Understanding how a depth chart works helps you follow which players might see action during games and why coaches make certain personnel decisions.

Historical Context of Rams Quarterbacks

The Los Angeles Rams organization has a long history of seeking talented quarterbacks to lead their offense. When the team relocated from St. Louis to Los Angeles in 2016, they began a period of significant roster changes. The organization invested heavily in the quarterback position, understanding that this role is crucial to offensive success and fan interest.

In 2018, the Rams acquired Jared Goff, who had previously played for the Detroit Lions. Goff became the starting quarterback and led the team to a Super Bowl appearance in the 2018 season (Super Bowl LIII). However, the team lost that game to the New England Patriots. Following that season, the Rams made the decision to trade Goff and acquire Matthew Stafford from the Detroit Lions in 2021.

Matthew Stafford's arrival marked a significant change for the franchise. Stafford had spent 12 seasons with Detroit before being traded to Los Angeles. In his first season with the Rams (2021), Stafford led the team to a Super Bowl LVI victory, defeating the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20. This championship demonstrated the impact that acquiring an experienced starting quarterback could have on a team's performance. During that Super Bowl run, Stafford's backup was John Wolford, who served as the third-string option.

The 2022 and 2023 seasons saw continued adjustments to the Rams quarterback roster. The team remained committed to having established veteran quarterbacks on their depth chart rather than relying solely on younger, unproven options. This organizational philosophy reflected the Rams' desire to compete immediately and maintain a strong position in the competitive NFC West division, which includes the San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, and Arizona Cardinals.

Practical Takeaway: Knowing the historical decisions the Rams have made about quarterbacks helps explain why they currently structure their depth chart the way they do.

Current Roster Composition and Roles

The Rams quarterback depth chart typically includes players with different experience levels and skill sets. The starting quarterback carries the responsibility of executing the head coach's offensive game plan, making pre-snap reads, managing the clock, and performing under pressure during games. The backup quarterback prepares daily to enter the game if needed and represents insurance against injury or poor performance.

Third-string quarterbacks on the Rams roster often serve developmental roles, working with coaches to improve their skills while learning the team's system. These players may participate in practice sessions and preseason games but rarely see action during regular season play unless multiple injuries occur at the position. Understanding the role each quarterback plays helps explain why certain players appear on the depth chart.

The Rams organization evaluates quarterbacks based on multiple factors. Arm strength—the ability to throw the football with velocity and accuracy over various distances—is essential. Decision-making ability matters greatly, as quarterbacks must choose between throwing to receivers or running with the ball. Physical mobility allows quarterbacks to escape defensive pressure and gain yards on the ground. Leadership qualities and communication skills help quarterbacks work effectively with teammates and execute complex offensive plays.

Consistency is another critical factor in how the Rams rank their quarterbacks. A player who performs well in practice but struggles in games may rank lower than a player who demonstrates reliability during actual competition. The coaching staff also considers how well each quarterback learns the playbook, executes specific plays, and responds to coaching feedback during the week.

Practical Takeaway: Each quarterback on the depth chart fills a specific role based on their experience, skills, and performance in the Rams' offensive system.

How Depth Charts Change Throughout a Season

The Rams quarterback depth chart is not permanent—it shifts based on circumstances that arise during a season. Injuries represent the most common reason for depth chart changes. If the starting quarterback sustains an injury that prevents him from playing, the backup moves into the starting position, and other quarterbacks move up the chart accordingly. The Rams medical staff and coaches work together to determine if a quarterback can return to play after an injury or if he needs extended time for recovery.

Performance changes also trigger depth chart adjustments. If a starting quarterback struggles in games, turning the ball over frequently or missing open receivers, coaches may evaluate whether the backup quarterback should receive playing time. Conversely, if a backup performs well during limited opportunities, he may move up the depth chart and receive more playing time in future games.

The Rams coaching staff may also adjust the depth chart based on specific game matchups. If upcoming opponents employ defensive schemes that favor certain quarterback attributes, coaches might feature a quarterback whose skill set matches well against that opponent. For example, if an opponent has a strong pass rush, the Rams might prefer a quarterback with better mobility to escape pressure.

Training camp and preseason periods typically feature significant depth chart movement. During these times, the Rams evaluate all quarterbacks on the roster through competitive drills and preseason games. Players who perform well during this evaluation period may move up the chart, while those who struggle may move down or be released from the team. The depth chart entering the regular season reflects the coaching staff's assessment of each player's readiness to compete.

Late-season roster changes can also affect the depth chart. If a starting quarterback is ruled out for the remainder of the season due to injury, the Rams might trade for a quarterback, sign a veteran free agent, or promote a younger player who showed promise during the season. These transactions reshape the depth chart and represent important decisions about the team's competitive direction.

Practical Takeaway: Monitor the Rams' depth chart regularly during the season to understand how injuries, performance, and coaching decisions affect quarterback rankings.

Reading and Interpreting the Depth Chart

The official Rams depth chart appears in a simple format that lists quarterbacks in vertical order, with the starting quarterback at the top, the backup below, and the third-string quarterback further down. Some versions of the depth chart include additional information such as jersey numbers, heights, weights, and years of experience in professional football. Learning to read this information helps you understand the composition of the roster.

The depth chart also indicates which players are active for games. In the NFL, teams can have 46 players active for each game, and not all roster members participate. Quarterbacks listed on the depth chart as "active" are available to play during that game, while those marked as "inactive" cannot participate. This distinction matters if you want to know which quarterbacks could potentially enter a game.

Some depth charts include notation about players who are injured or on injured reserve (IR). These designations indicate that a player is sidelined and unavailable for games. A quarterback on injured reserve is not eligible to play until he is removed from that status and cleared by medical personnel. Understanding these designations helps explain why certain quarterbacks do not appear on the active depth chart.

The Rams occasionally list quarterbacks as "co-starters