Former Georgia QB Stetson Bennett makes Rams return for offseason workouts after mysteriously missing his first NFL season for 'undisclosed reasons' when LA placed him on non-football injury list before 2023 opener

Quarterback Stetson Bennett has rejoined the Los Angeles Rams for the start of their offseason program after missing his entire rookie season for undisclosed reasons.

Bennett, 26, is attending team meetings and lifting weights with his teammates at the Rams' training complex, coach Sean McVay confirmed on Tuesday. The team hasn't yet started its on-field workouts.

'He looks good,' McVay said of Bennett. 'He's had a good look in his eyes. He's been attentive in the meetings.'

The Rams drafted the two-time national championship-winning quarterback from Georgia in the fourth round one year ago. But, before the 2023 NFL Draft in April, Bennett was arrested in Dallas, Texas, on public intoxication charges in January after reportedly banging on doors in a residential area at 6 a.m. CT.

A report of the incident said that police saw Bennett 'walking further back in the gated area to hide behind a brick wall by a random (apartment) in attempt to possibly avoid (the arresting officers) detection.' 

He was eventually taken to a city detention center, despite claiming to officers that he was trying to wake a friend.

Reflecting on his arrest at the 2023 NFL Combine in March, Bennett explained how the incident wasn't an action befitting his position or name. 

'It was, you know, a mistake that everybody's aware of. I understand why that can't happen, I've talked to coaches about it, talked to GMs, apologized to my family,' he said at the time. 'That's how I feel the worst about, felt like I them down because no matter where I go now and even without all of this, I've got an obligation, I'm the fourth, can't do that if you last name is Bennett.' 

Bennett - the grandson of former South Carolina QB Buddy Bennett - participated in the Rams' offseason program and played extensively in the preseason last year, but was placed on the reserve/non-football illness list five days before Los Angeles' regular-season opener.

He was expected to be Matthew Stafford's backup as a rookie, but didn't return to the team in 2023. The Rams never announced a reason for Bennett's absence.

The Rams signed Jimmy Garoppolo last month to back up Stafford in 2024, but Bennett took additional steps toward a return when he met with Dave Ragone, Los Angeles' new QBs coach.

If Bennett is ready to resume his pro career, it could dissuade the Rams from selecting a QB with a high pick in the draft this week.