The Los Angeles Rams concluded their preseason joint practice series with the Houston Texans on Thursday, and there were several notable takeaways from the session. The standout performance came from Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, who had a "full day" of practice after only participating in half of Tuesday's drills. Stafford expressed his satisfaction with the opportunity to work against the Texans' talented defense and praised their mix of veteran players and promising youngsters.

One player who continues to impress is rookie offensive lineman Beaux Limmer. The sixth-round pick out of Arkansas received significant reps with the first-team offense, specifically at center. While it's important to note that Limmer is not currently projected as the starting center, his involvement suggests that the Rams may have a specific role in mind for him. It was valuable experience for Limmer to face off against the Texans' experienced interior defensive line, providing him with opportunities to develop his skills further.

The Rams' pass rush was once again on display during the joint practice. Rams outside linebacker Jared Verse made a notable play by beating Texans left tackle Laremy Tunsil, regarded as one of the NFL's top blindside protectors. Additionally, outside linebacker Byron Young and nose tackle Kobie Turner combined for a would-be sack of Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud. Stroud faced pressure throughout the session but also demonstrated his ability to escape and make accurate passes under duress, reminiscent of his performance as the 2023 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.

The cornerback position remains up for grabs, as the Rams waived defensive back Jerry Jacobs with an injury settlement. Head coach Sean McVay highlighted several players vying for the fourth spot in the cornerback rotation, including Tre Tomlinson, Shaun Jolly, Josh Wallace, and Charles Woods. The Rams are also exploring the possibility of utilizing safeties Quentin Lake and Russ Yeast in the nickel corner role. The competition for the final cornerback spot will continue in the upcoming days.

During redzone drills, Matthew Stafford showcased his connection with wide receiver Cooper Kupp, throwing two touchdown passes to him. Kupp's leaping grab for the second touchdown highlighted his concentration and ability to secure the catch in a tight space.

The joint practice with the Texans provided valuable experience for both the Rams' young defensive linemen and defensive backs. Going up against experienced offensive linemen like Laremy Tunsil and Shaq Mason offered a great challenge and opportunity for growth. On the other side of the ball, the Rams' offense faced a talented Texans defense led by cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., safety Jalen Pitre, and outside linebackers Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter.

The Rams continued to experiment with their kickoff return combination, seeking the best duo for the new hybrid format. Running back Boston Scott was held out of practice due to a leg contusion but is expected to have a heavy workload in the team's upcoming preseason finale.

Notable defensive pressure came from fourth-year defensive tackle Bobby Brown III, who forced C.J. Stroud to throw the ball away during 11-on-11 drills.

Following the practice, Matthew Stafford and C.J. Stroud had a conversation and expressed mutual respect. Stafford commended Stroud's smooth playing style and calm aggression.

Overall, the Rams' final joint practice with the Texans provided valuable insights into the team's performance and potential roles for certain players. The continued development and competition among the roster bode well for the team's upcoming season.