Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Aug 1
Rams Open Padded Camp as No. 13 Pick Ty Simpson Expands Role, Aaron Donald Buzz Builds
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Aug 1

Rams Open Padded Camp as No. 13 Pick Ty Simpson Expands Role, Aaron Donald Buzz Builds

3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Aug 1

Summary

  • Five days into camp, Los Angeles held its first padded practice and gave rookie quarterback Ty Simpson his heaviest workload yet, with Matthew Stafford resting under a maintenance plan.
  • Simpson split reps evenly with Stetson Bennett and showed both upside and rawness—hitting CJ Daniels on an intermediate gain, nearly throwing 2 interceptions and bobbling a snap.
  • Aaron Donald still has no timetable for ending his 2-year retirement, but Sean McVay said the arrow on a possible return is “trending upward” while the team stays in contact.
  • Kyren Williams supplied the offense’s top highlight with a wheel-route touchdown, a reminder of a receiving skill set the Rams may try to feature more if protection holds up.
  • The session also underscored Los Angeles’ broader camp plan: veterans including Stafford, Myles Garrett and Davante Adams are on managed workloads ahead of a 17-game season and a Week 1 trip to Australia.

Insights

As rookie Ty Simpson battles growing pains, can he master the Rams' complex offense fast enough to be more than a developmental project?
What physical tests must 35-year-old Aaron Donald pass before finalizing a shocking 2026 return to the Los Angeles Rams' defense?
With Sean McVay shifting to heavier offensive schemes, how will versatile weapons like Kyren Williams exploit these new mismatches this season?