The Los Angeles Rams are gearing up for their preseason opener against the Dallas Cowboys at SoFi Stadium, but key starters like Matthew Stafford and Davante Adams will be resting. This game presents a crucial opportunity for backups to showcase their skills in five pivotal position battles.

At running back, Blake Corum and Jarquez Hunter will vie for the RB2 spot behind Kyren Williams, with Corum looking to prove his worth after being sidelined last preseason. The right tackle position is also up for grabs, with D.J. Humphries potentially not being the frontrunner, as Warren McClendon Jr. and others could vie for the role. The defensive line will see backups like Ty Hamilton and Tyler Davis step up in the absence of Kobie Turner and Poona Ford, making their performances crucial for roster decisions.

Davante Adams, the star wide receiver for the Los Angeles Rams, has expressed his admiration for Travis Hunter of the Jacksonville Jaguars, highlighting the impressive feat of Hunter's ability to excel on both offense and defense. Adams commended Hunter's versatility, noting that it is a rarity in modern football, where players typically specialize in one position. He emphasized that such dual-threat talents not only enhance their teams but also provide a thrilling spectacle for fans.

Adams’ praise reflects a growing trend in the NFL where players like Hunter are increasingly showcasing their multifaceted skills. The league has seen a handful of athletes capable of making significant impacts on both sides of the ball, challenging conventional norms. This trend could influence how teams evaluate talent and build their rosters in the future.

The Cincinnati Bengals successfully finalized a rookie contract with defensive end Shemar Stewart after a prolonged negotiation period. This marks a significant milestone as Stewart was the last player from the 2025 NFL Draft class to sign his contract, allowing him to join the team for training camp. Stewart, a promising talent, is expected to bring fresh energy and skills to the Bengals' defensive front. His presence will be crucial as the Bengals look to strengthen their defense in the upcoming season and make a deeper run in the playoffs.

The NFL preseason is heating up, but so are the injury reports as players like Justin Fields and Najee Harris face setbacks ahead of fantasy drafts. Fields dislocated his toe during practice but quickly returned, while Matthew Stafford is managing back soreness as he enters his 17th season. Running back Najee Harris is on the non-football injury list due to an eye injury, opening the door for rookie Omarion Hampton to take the lead in the Chargers' backfield. Meanwhile, Joe Mixon's status also raises questions for fantasy managers.