Stetson Bennett missed almost the entire 2023 NFL season with the Los Angeles Rams. As the quarterback has now confirmed, mental issues were the main reason for this.

A fourth-round pick and two-time college champion, Stetson Bennett entered the NFL in the 2023 draft.

At the Los Angeles Rams, he was scheduled to be the backup to starting quarterback Matthew Stafford. However, he said goodbye to the team in September of last year and has now spoken about his motives for the first time in a media roundtable.

When asked whether his departure would “fall under the mental health umbrella”, the playmaker replied according to ESPN: “Yes, I would say so.”

The topic was not elaborated on afterwards, but the 26-year-old expressed his gratitude: “I thank Les and Coach Sean and everyone involved for allowing me to do it.” He had been nervous on his return, but was now “getting better by the day”.

Rams-OC La Fleur happy with Stetson Bennett

Offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur, meanwhile, was happy with the return of the backup quarterback who was represented by Brett Rypien last season. It is “a pleasure to work with him”.

He added: “He comes to work every day and is eager to improve. And that’s all you can ask of these guys. If their will is right, which is the case with Stetson, then that’s all you can ask. And that’s definitely the case.”

The Rams kick off the new NFL season on September 9 with a visit to the Detroit Lions. Bennett should also be on the roster then