Ever since Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay took over in 2017, he’s taken a unique approach to the preseason. While some teams will play their starters for sometimes a series or two or as much as a full quarter, the Rams have typically not played their starters at all.

This approach has brought on some criticism from fans that were used to seeing starters during the preseason and some media analysts. However, McVay has never wavered in his approach. Through seven years, the Rams are 6-1 in Week 1 and their record in the first four weeks of the season is 20-8 . Half of those losses have come in 2022 and 2023.

However, while the Rams don’t play their starters during the preseason, McVay has been proactive when scheduling joint practices with other teams. These joint practices allow for a more controlled setting and allow the coaching to set up more valuable situations. Teams will often also have referees in attendance to officiate the practices so that players can get a feel for how games will be called. Said McVay on this approach,

“We want to be able to have as many opportunities to compete against other teams as possible in a controlled setting. You’re a little bit more mindful of what you do in the preseason games. The guys that are projected starters that have played in this league for us, they’re not going to play in the preseason. We’re not going to change that approach. The thing that we still have to get a feel for is how we want to approach the rookies that we’re counting on. Last year, we obviously played those guys a little bit. I haven’t decided exactly what we’re going to do. Those practices are for our team, but they’re geared towards our guys that we’re going to be counting on when the games kick off when we play Detroit.”

This offseason, the Rams have scheduled four joint practices with the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans, and two with the Los Angeles Chargers. All of those teams should provide a good barometer for where the Rams are from a level standpoint and be a good challenge.

Throughout the preseason, the Rams have dealt with a number of injuries. Darious Williams and Jonah Jackson could be out all the way until Week 1. Alaric Jackson is still day-to-day and the status of Rob Havenstein is still unclear. That also doesn’t mention Derion Kendrick who tore his ACL.

While the joint practices don’t eliminate injuries, again, it is a more controlled setting. It gives the Rams an opportunity to try some things that they’ve been working on and see if it works against other teams while not putting it on tape.

Last year, some important rookies played during the preseason, including Puka Nacua, Byron Young, and Kobie Turner. However, it’s uncertain if that will happen again this year with Jared Verse, Braden Fiske, and others.

Still, don’t expect to see Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp, and several other starters playing during the preseason. It may not be the popular choice among fans, the Rams’ priority is getting ready for Week 1 against the Detroit Lions.