Sean McVay recently shoveled some praise onto second-year wide receiver Konata Mumpfield, but perhaps the biggest compliment from the head coach came when he said that Mumpfield is, “Doing a great job of competing without the football”.
Whether it’s blocking, selling routes, there’s always a something to do with or without the football in your hands and from the sounds of it, Mumpfield is locking in both with and without the ball. That’s good development for the young player, but of course, he’ll have to do all the right things consistently to stick around what could be, or already is, a crowded wide receiver room.
Mumpfield’s development is good for the Rams, but it’s great for Mumpfield who will look to build upon his rookie season with a stronger second campaign. He’s not a rookie anymore. Fans and the team we’ll see how he does as a young veteran.
Konata Mumpfield draws praise from Sean McVay for taking his game ‘to another level’ (ramswire)“He’s stepped up a lot,” McVay said of Mumpfield. “He’s one of those guys, he’s so conscientious, gave him a couple things. Rob Calabrese, ‘Yarbs’ (Eric Yarber) and Robert Woods, they’ve talked about some things to be able to take his game to another level, and he’s done that. In Puka’s absence – obviously, we know how special Puka is, but I think both Mump and Jordan Whittington do a good job of being able to step up and show how valuable they are, but he’s a sharp, savvy route-runner. He’s wired to be able to separate. He’s catching the ball really well and he does a great job of competing without the football, which is super important for us, so I love everything Mump’s about.”
Sean McVay debriefs on the Rams’ joint practice with the Saints, QB Stetson Bennett’s progress & more (therams.com)“Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay discusses Thursday’s joint practice with the New Orleans Saints, what he’s seen from quarterback Stetson Bennett, his relationship with Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, and more.”
Rams still waiting on Aaron Donald, more workouts (nbcsports)“The Rams have now hosted Donald for two workouts in recent weeks. McVay believes there will be more. Donald is reportedly “feeling good” right now, but there doesn’t seem to be a lean one way or the other. With the regular season opener fast approaching, one assumes a decision will come in the next two or so weeks.“
Rams have fared well in international games in LA return (sports.yahoo)“The Los Angeles Rams are three weeks away from playing the San Francisco 49ers in Australia. Between the excitement of the upcoming season and the league’s recent desire to have an NFL team outside the US, let’s look at how the Rams have fared overseas.
Since the start of the NFL International Series, the Rams have gone 3-2. Their five games are tied with the Patriots and Raiders for the most in the league, behind the Jaguars (14), Dolphins (7) and Vikings (6). The team’s season opener will be their first played outside London. Their 2018 thriller against the Chiefs was originally supposed to be played in Mexico City, but was moved to the LA Coliseum because of poor field conditions at Estadio Azteca.“
All-Access Photos: Saints Training Camp joint practice with Rams 8/20/26 (neworleanssaints.com)“Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams during 2026 Training Camp presented by Rouses Markets at Rams Village at Warner Center in Woodland Hills, California, on Thursday, August 20.”
Do you want more Aaron Donald news? Like it or not, until a decision is made, we’re getting AD news or lack there of but AD content. We’re getting AD content.
Aaron Donald to continue workouts with Rams as decision looms (espn)“All training camp — since McVay first acknowledged that Donald was going through a “very strict, regimented process” to determine whether he wanted to play for the Rams this season — the head coach has been clear that this will take place on Donald’s timeline.
When asked about Donald’s decision last week, McVay said: “I don’t want to say too much or put some sort of invisible deadline on something that doesn’t exist in my mind for him.”
Donald, who spent his entire 10-year career with the Rams before retiring in March 2024, first began to consider the option of returning to football after Los Angeles traded for reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett in early June.“
Consorting with the Enemy: The LA Rams (si.com)“What position battle should Saints fans be paying the most attention to on Saturday? Are there any players whose roster spots could hinge on these final two preseason games?
I think it really goes back to the position battle at QB2. It hasn’t necessarily been a true position battle throughout training camp as Stetson Bennett has taken all of the QB2 reps. However, after Simpson’s performance on Saturday, it’s going to be hard for the Rams’ coaching staff to ignore the possibility of a legitimate competition this week. If Simpson builds on that and follows his debut up with another strong performance, he may get a serious look at the backup QB spot behind Stafford going into Week 1.The Rams’ roster is very competitive and there aren’t that many ‘open’ spots. With that said, Jarquez Hunter’s spot could be in jeopardy at running back. Wide receiver Xavier Smith is another player who could be on the bubble.“
LA Rams Have NFL’s Top 2 Contract-Year Stars — and 2 More in Top 10 (heavy.com)“The Los Angeles Rams have loaded up for another Super Bowl run.
A new ranking shows how expensive keeping the core together could become.
Pro Football Focus ranked Puka Nacua and Kevin Dotson as the two highest-graded NFL players going into contract years in 2026, putting Los Angeles in an interesting position before the season even starts.“
NFL issues hefty fines to the Saints and Cowboys for actions at joint practice (sports.yahoo)“The league will always ensure that its brand is represented well at all times. However, situations like this are a rarity for the Saints, as they have held several joint practice sessions in recent histort without any altercations or fines being issued. Last week, they hosted the Jacksonville Jaguars which went exceptionally smoothly. They also just completed a joint practice earlier today with the Rams without an incident taking place.
Cowboys’ owner Jerry Jones said that they will appeal the $500,000 fine from the NFL for the incidents against the Saints, however he said it was understandable they would be a penalized. Jones also said they will fine the players individually that were involved as well. No word yet if the Saints will also appeal or take any action against their players involved.“
Seahawks Ex-1,000-Yard RB Considers Surprising NFL Exit to Return to College Football (heavy.com)“Seahawks running back Anthony Hankerson is among a group of current NFL players who a Louisiana court granted temporary relief amid NCAA rules prohibiting athletes from returning to college football after signing professional deals. This would seemingly allow Hankerson to return to college football despite signing with the Seahawks.
“A group of former college football players who filed a lawsuit against the NCAA in Louisiana were granted a temporary restraining order by a federal judge that allows them to enter the transfer portal even though some are currently on NFL rosters,” Yahoo Sports’ Nick Bromberg wrote in an August 19, 2026, story titled, “Judge rules some NFL players can enter the transfer portal, return to college football in 2026.”
Comment of the Day:“Thank you for highlighting my comment. I’m neutral on Donald’s return. Good either way as long as we don’t overpay IF the decision is “Yes.” But given how long this saga has dragged on, I don’t think he’s serious about a comeback. And, nobody likes distractions 3 weeks before the season starts. With or without AD our pass rush should be formidable. But maybe McSneady already knows AD is coming back and they’re trying to keep SF in suspense as long as possible? That Australian opener versus the 49ers is an incredibly important game. I know SF has its problems, but Shannyhands has beat us before with a b/u QB and half their starters out. As the pundits’ presumptive pick for the SB, starting 0-1 against a division opponent would raise a lot of eyebrows, including mine.“-SlowTightEnd
Feedpost of the Day:Some optimism in a seemingly pessimistic word.
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