Exhibition season brings its own unique excitement. While starters watch from the sidelines in street clothes, backup quarterbacks and roster bubble players step into the spotlight, knowing every snap could determine their NFL futures. That pressure cooker environment creates some of the most compelling football drama of the year.
Saturday night, the Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Rams will open preseason play at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Who will be calling the game from the booth?
Who Will Call the Rams-Cowboys Preseason Game Saturday Night?
The Los Angeles Rams open their exhibition slate for the 2025 NFL season Saturday evening, hosting the Dallas Cowboys at SoFi Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET, marking the first meeting between these teams since last year’s preseason.
That previous matchup saw Los Angeles edge out Dallas 13-12, with Stetson Bennett throwing for 224 yards, one touchdown, and four interceptions in what became a wild back-and-forth affair. Bennett will once again take the snaps for the Rams, as Sean McVay plans to rest his starters entirely.
While this game won’t appear on national television, local fans in both markets have broadcast options available.
Rams Broadcast
- TV Channel: KABC-7
- Announcers: J.B. Long (play-by-play), Mina Kimes and Maurice Jones-Drew (color analysts), Curt Sandoval (sideline reporter)
- Rams Radio: ESPN LA 710 AM
Cowboys Broadcast
- Channel: KTVT/CBS 11 DFW (CBS Dallas)
- Announcers: NA
- Cowboys Radio: 105.3 The Fan
What Will Los Angeles’s Lineup Look Like Without Starters?
As expected, Rams head coach Sean McVay will hold out all starters for this opening exhibition contest. This approach gives the coaching staff a clean look at players fighting for final roster spots while protecting key contributors from unnecessary injury risk.
Bennett will get the starting nod at quarterback, with running back Jarquez Hunter expected to see significant touches in the backfield. Multiple rookies, including Pooh Paul Jr., will have opportunities to showcase their abilities to the coaching staff during live game action.
However, the Rams will be missing rookie Terrance Ferguson, who remains sidelined with a groin injury. McVay addressed the team’s injury situation, particularly focusing on soft tissue issues that have affected several players.
RELATED: How To Watch Rams-Cowboys Week 1 Preseason Game: TV Channel, Date, and Time
“Those guys are day-to-day with the soft tissue stuff,” stated McVay. “[LB] Nate Landman has a little bit of a calf [issue] and [TE] Terrance [Ferguson] with his groin. Those things can be really challenging. [CB] Emmanuel Forbes is in that group too with his hamstring.”
He continued, “A lot of those guys that are dealing with soft tissue stuff right now, they want to get out there as soon as possible. I defer to [Senior Vice President, Sports Medicine and Performance] Reggie [Scott] on those types of things.”
The cautious approach with soft tissue injuries reflects the delicate balance teams face during preseason. While players want to prove themselves on the field, rushing back from these types of injuries can lead to more serious problems that could sideline them for weeks.
Despite the exhibition nature of Saturday’s contest, Los Angeles will want to establish positive momentum heading into their remaining preseason games. For many players wearing Rams uniforms, this represents their best chance to make a lasting impression before final roster cuts arrive.
