Patrick Mahomes Influence? Georgia Coach Kirby Smart Updates Status of Stetson Bennett

Los Angeles Rams QB Stetson Bennett has been away from the team for some time now, and on Monday, his former head coach with the Georgia Bulldogs, Kirby Smart, gave an update about his situation.

The Los Angeles Rams picked quarterback Stetson Bennett with the 128th overall pick in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. 

The hope was that he would be the heir apparent to veteran QB and future Hall of Famer Matthew Stafford. Instead, Bennett was largely absent over the last few months and during the season.

Per reports, Bennett had been away from the team dealing with personal issues. Rams head coach Sean McVay also echoed that sentiment and details have been largely scarce otherwise, leaving many to wonder what his future would hold. 

However, on Monday at an event in Macon, GA, Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart revealed an encouraging update on Bennett, as well as some positive influence he is receiving from Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes' training staff. 

“Stetson is doing well," Smart said. "He went back to Dallas where he trained last year. He trained with Patrick Mahomes’ trainers and different people there. He wanted to go back to that same footprint where he was training previously.”

Bennett got some on-the-field reps for the Rams during the preseason, and was up and down in those outings, finishing a combined 36-of-62 for 347 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions in his appearances.

And while it doesn't appear that he will get a chance to get back with the Rams on the active roster, according to Smart, they are very much involved in what he is doing in Dallas.

“The Rams still have him there (in Dallas), they have gotten other quarterbacks, but He’s hopeful that he gets an opportunity there or that he’ll get picked up by somebody else,” Smart continued. “He’s been at our place during the season and he went out to Dallas to train with the other rising draft picks. So he trained with a group that was one year below him.”

What Does Rams' Signing Garoppolo Mean for Bennett, NFL Draft Plan?

The Rams recently acquired veteran Jimmy Garoppolo on a one-year contract to backup starter Matthew Stafford, and give stability to the position.

If Bennett can get things back on the right track, he can likely still eventually be part of the Rams future

But until then, based on what Smart revealed, it appears he is at least taking steps in that direction.