Rams Rookie Benched for Disciplinary Violation — Hasn’t Played a Single Snap After Sean McVay’s Tough Message on Standards
The Los Angeles Rams’ seventh-round rookie wide receiver has yet to see the field this season — and head coach Sean McVay just made it clear why.
Despite impressing during offseason workouts with his speed and versatility, the young wideout has remained on the practice squad since Week 1, with McVay citing discipline and execution as the main reasons behind the decision.
“HE'S GOT THE TALENT, NO QUESTION. BUT IN LOS ANGELES, EXECUTION IS EVERYTHING. HE MISSED READS, BLEW ASSIGNMENTS, AND DIDN'T MASTER THE DETAILS. AROUND HERE, YOU DON'T EARN SNAPS WITH POTENTIAL — YOU EARN THEM BY PLAYING THE RAMS WAY.”
The rookie in question is Junior Bergen, a seventh-round pick (No. 252 overall) from Montana, who signed a four-year rookie contract shortly after the 2025 NFL Draft. Bergen flashed promise as a slot receiver and return specialist during training camp, drawing early comparisons to former Rams gadget players known for their versatility and intelligence.
However, insiders from the team’s practice sessions revealed that Bergen struggled to learn route progressions, execute assignments precisely, and adjust to the pace and complexity of McVay’s offense — a system renowned for demanding timing, precision, and mental sharpness.
The Rams waived Bergen on August 26, 2025, only to re-sign him to the practice squad the following day — a move McVay described as part of the development process rather than a punishment.
“He’s learning,” McVay said. “But at this level, talent isn’t enough. You have to prove every day that you understand your job and that your teammates can trust you to execute it.”
Bergen has since worked closely with receivers coach Eric Yarber, focusing on improving his route discipline and timing. Despite being benched from active play, team sources say the 23-year-old has shown steady progress and remains a long-term project for the Rams’ offense.
Still, McVay’s message was unmistakable: in Los Angeles, consistency and preparation are non-negotiable. “This organization is built on accountability,” he said. “Every player here — whether it’s a Pro Bowler or a rookie — is expected to uphold that standard. Until you do, you sit.”
For Junior Bergen, the lesson is clear. The path back to the field won’t come from talent alone — it will come from mastering the details and earning the right to play the
Cowboys' Jerry Jones tries to do damage control after '$100 billion' comments
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has fans mad at him again over some comments he made in a recent interview.
Jones drew criticism for a quote from a recent interview he gave to Benoit Morenne of the Wall Street Journal outlining the Cowboys owner’s efforts to invest in the natural gas industry. Jones flippantly suggested he was prioritizing it over fixing the team’s defense.
“There’s $100 billion present value with gas out there,” Jones said. “That’s why I’m talking to you on the telephone rather than trying to fix our defense with the Dallas Cowboys.”
On Friday, Jones was asked about those comments during his weekly appearance with 105.3 The Fan. He said his investments were all part of fixing the Cowboys.
Jerry Jones clarifies the controversial comments
“This is called professional football, to make a point,” Jones said. “That means it takes money to make it all go. Anytime that I’m doing anything that’s away from looking at a specific player and how he’s playing defense, it has to do with the latter. That latter ultimately leads to the betterment of the Cowboys. Me sitting here talking on the phone with you, the visits I’m having with the fans through you, that’ll help score touchdowns.”
— 105.3 The FAN (@1053thefan) October 31, 2025"Sitting here talking on this phone with you, the visits I’m having with my fans through, that’ll help score touchdowns.”
Listen to Jerry Jones address his viral WSJ quote with
@kandc1053 wherever you get your podcasts #DallasCowboys pic.twitter.com/P9shPhBFCr
Of course, Jones has enough hours in the day to handle the Cowboys and his business portfolio. Bringing up a Dallas defense that even he is skeptical can be fixed, however, felt like rubbing salt in the wound.
The Cowboys are 3-4-1 despite having one of the league’s elite offenses. Even an average defense would probably put them in the playoffs, and a lot of fans blame Jones for the fact that they do not have one. Of course, Jones lives in his own world sometimes, so the critics are not likely to get him to change course.
