Los Angeles Rams training camp begins with the team in a much different situation that it was in at this point last year. Sean McVay’s squad was coming off Super Bowl title in July of 2022.
Now, Los Angeles is seemingly one of the least-talented teams in the NFL after a purge this past offseason. McVay will earn his chops while relying on franchise stalwarts Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp and Aaron Donald. It is certainly going to be a season of transition in Southern California.
Here’s everything you need to know about Los Angeles Rams training camp 2023.
Related: 2023 NFL power rankings
Los Angeles Rams training camp schedule
Los Angeles Rams training camp will open on July 25 with both rookies and veterans reporting to the University of California in Irving, California. Here is a look at open practices for Rams camp.
- July 29: 4:25-6:25 PM PST
- July 31: 4:25-6:10 PM PST
- August 1: 4:25-6:25 PM PST
- August 3: 4:25-6:25 PM PST
- August 5: 4:25-5:55 PM PST
- August 6: 4:25-6:25 PM PST
- August 8: 4:25-6:25 PM PST
Related: 2023 NFL schedule
Los Angeles Rams training camp storylines
Matthew Stafford’s health and future with the Rams
Fresh off leading Los Angeles to a Super Bowl title, Stafford’s 2022 season was filled with frustration. The former No. 1 pick suffered a spinal cord contusion that limited him to nine games. When on the field, Stafford put up his worst statistical season since his rookie campaign with the Detroit Lions back in 2009.
- Matthew Stafford stats (2022): 68% completion, 2,087 yards, 10 TD, 8 INT
The Rams even did everything possible to trade Stafford during the offseason. His $57 million option bonus that became guaranteed in March ended that possibility.
What we do know is that this could be Stafford’s final season with the Rams. There has been some talk about tanking for USC quarterback Caleb Williams ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft. Struggles during training camp and early in the 2023 regular season could lead to Los Angeles removing Stafford and going with rookie Stetson Bennett under center.
Figuring out the interior offensive line
Rams quarterbacks were sacked a whopping 59 times a season ago. This number stood at just 31 during their Super Bowl run in 2021. Obviously, the retirement of longtime left tackle Andrew Whitworth played a role.
However, Los Angeles’ interior offensive line is a hot mess right now. Rookie Steve Avila and the inexperienced Logan Bruss are slated to start at guard. Neither has played a snap in the NFL. Brian Allen is to hold down the fort at center. He has been a marginal starting center in the league. This could be an issue for Stafford or whoever is under center for the Los Angeles Rams throughout the 2023 season.
Related: 2023 NFL defense rankings
Players to watch during Rams training camp
Kyren Williams, running back
For all of the holes Los Angeles has on its roster, there are some solid youngsters to take a look at during Rams training camp. This includes a player in Williams who displayed flashes of brilliance during his time with Notre Dame. He also did pretty well in limited playing time as a rookie (4.9 yards per touch).
We’re intrigued to see how Sean McVay utilizes Williams in 2023. Cam Akers returns for another season after a split with the head coach last season. If Los Angeles is really looking towards the future, playing Williams more often than not makes sense.
Tutu Atwell, wide receiver
Another youngster who must show out dring Rams training camp, Atwell didn’t do much in his first two NFL seasons. As a sophomore last year, the former second-round pick caught just 18-of-35 targets in 13 games.
With that said, Atwell did average 16.6 yards per reception. Given the Rams’ wide receiver issues behind Cooper Kupp, Atwell should be given an opportunity during camp. We’ll see if he takes advantage of it.