Rams QB Stetson Bennett cites ‘mental health’ as reason for absence, returns to field after rookie season on non-football illness list

Bennett is starting from where he left off and is participating in the Rams’ OTAs. 

Rams QB Stetson Bennett cites ‘mental health’ as reason for absence, returns to field after rookie season on non-football illness list

Stetson Bennett (Via Imago)

After being drafted in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL draft, Stetson Bennett was hardly seen on the field as he mysteriously disappeared from the world of football, leaving football fans to wonder what happened. It appears the Los Angeles Rams’ rookie stepped away from football and spent his debut season on the non-football illness list. 

But the good news is the quarterback is returning this spring after giving an entire year to his mental health. For the first time since his disappearance, Bennett spoke to reporters addressing all questions about his time apart and what led him to it. 

I was home--As far as what led to that, what transpired and all that, I think we’re going to keep that in-house. But it was good. I went back home, and thank goodness [general manager] Les [Snead] and Coach McVay allowed me to do that.
Stetson Bennett said on Tuesday

Bennett took the break from football before the 2023 regular season had even begun. He participated in team activities and participated actively in the preseason as he competed to be backup to Matthew Stafford. Now, as the two-time national champion at the University of Georgia returned, he is starting from where he left off and participating in the Rams’ organized team activities. 

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Stetson Bennett is competing for backup role with Rams

While talking about why he stepped away from football in the first year he entered the NFL, Bennett shared it was never the plan to leave the NFL but merely a break and he always intended to play again. That’s why, he was in constant touch with the Rams’ coaching staff during his time away. 

Rams QB Stetson Bennett
Rams QB Stetson Bennett (Via Imago)

He was too overwhelmed last season having “a lot of nerves the first day” of the team’s offseason program. But after one year of break, as he returned, things have been better with him. 

Meanwhile, the backup job was given to Brett Rypien however it didn’t work out quite well as he struggled when Stafford got injured. So the Rams signed Carson Wentz, who filled in for Stafford while he recovered from his injury. Heading into the 2024 season, the Rams have signed Jimmy Garoppolo to be backup to Stafford, but Bennett is actively competing to earn his role.

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