The Los Angeles Rams are known for holding their starters out of preseason contests. They also keep key backups on the sideline, leaving the games to the bottom half of the 90-man roster. Many of the players who shine in these matchups, whether scoring touchdowns or recording sacks, never get the chance to compete for the team once the regular season begins.
Some teams don’t share that approach. The Kansas City Chiefs played CB Jaylen Watson, who suffered a concussion. The Arizona Cardinals played backup OT Christian Jones, who went down with a knee injury. The New Orleans Saints lost backup C/G Will Clapp and backup WR Bub Means to ankle injuries, while the Los Angeles Chargers saw backup CB Deane Leonard sidelined with a leg injury.