# Los Angeles Rams 2026 season preparations

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/los-angeles-rams-2026-season-preparations
> Updated: 2026-09-08T15:41:10.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 3.

The Los Angeles Rams enter the 2026 NFL season facing a demanding schedule that includes an opening game in Australia and several holiday matchups. Concerns have been raised regarding the team’s long-term stability at the quarterback position, specifically the transition from veteran Matthew Stafford to 13th overall draft pick Ty Simpson.

As the season approaches, the team has established its leadership structure by announcing 11 team captains, the largest group under head coach Sean McVay. Matthew Stafford will serve his sixth consecutive year as a captain, joining a leadership group that includes Kyren Williams and Davante Adams.

Heading into the season opener against the San Francisco 49ers, Stafford enters his 18th NFL season following a career year in which he won the NFL Most Valuable Player award and threw a career-best 46 touchdowns. Although he managed his workload during training camp due to a back issue, reports indicate he is “feeling good” heading into the opener. NFL executives have praised Stafford as an elite passer, with some rankings placing him second only to Josh Allen. Coach Sean McVay noted that having a healthy quarterback entering the season is a “significant advantage” for the team. The Rams' offense remains bolstered by the return of receivers Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, alongside running backs Kyren Williams and Blake Corum.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-08: Matthew Stafford and Los Angeles Rams prepare for season opener

Reigning NFL MVP Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams prepare for their season opener against the San Francisco 49ers following a standout performance last season.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/matthew-stafford-and-los-angeles-rams-prepare-for-season-opener

### 2026-09-01: Los Angeles Rams announce 11 team captains for 2026 season

The Los Angeles Rams have named 11 team captains for the 2026 season, the largest group under head coach Sean McVay, led by veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/los-angeles-rams-announce-11-team-captains-for-2026-season

### 2026-08-17: Los Angeles Rams face difficult 2026 schedule and quarterback succession questions

The Los Angeles Rams face a challenging 2026 season marked by a difficult schedule and ongoing questions regarding Matthew Stafford’s long-term future and the team's succession plan.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/los-angeles-rams-face-difficult-2026-schedule-and-quarterback-succession-questions

---
Cite as: Los Angeles Rams 2026 season preparations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/los-angeles-rams-2026-season-preparations