Tacking on 103 yards on the ground and a touchdown through the Rams’ first two preseason games, Hunter leads the team in both rushing categories and could have an opportunity to receive more snaps on Thursday against the Chargers to boost his resume heading into the regular season. Those 103 yards have also come on just 21 carries, good for 4.9 yards per attempt.
“It was an awesome run by Jarquez Hunter to be able to get the last touchdown,” McVay said postgame Saturday after Hunter’s touchdown against the Saints. “I think it will probably go down as a rushing stat when Ty got through the progressions and threw a lateral to him on a check down. He makes an incredible amount of guys miss, takes a big hit and pops up. Looked like he was talking crap to the sideline too.”
Based on the first two preseason games, he’ll likely work alongside Jordan Waters and Dean Connors for snaps at the running back position. Waters and Connors have each shown upside with Waters averaging 6.1 yards per attempt on 15 carries and Connors hauling in the two receiving touchdowns from Simpson. Thursday will be a chance for Hunter to continue to stand out in the run game as a tough, physical runner like he has so far this preseason.