Matthew Stafford has yet to take a snap during Los Angeles Rams training camp due to a lingering back issue. But according to multiple team sources, there’s no indication the injury will keep the veteran quarterback out of action for Week 1 against the Houston Texans.
The team is taking a cautious approach with Stafford, who is 37 and entering his 17th NFL season. He missed eight games in 2022 with a spinal cord contusion and dealt with minor injuries throughout last season, but still led the Rams to the NFC Divisional title and threw for 3,762 yards and 20 touchdowns.
Expect Stafford to ramp up activity in late August, especially if the back continues responding well to treatment. Until then, backups Jimmy Garoppolo and Stetson Bennett are splitting first-team reps.
Rams Are Playing It Safe With Stafford
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, “it does not sound like an issue” and Stafford’s status for the Rams isn’t viewed as serious. Schefter explained that the team believes Stafford could suit up and play today if needed.
“My understanding is that it is a total maintenance issue,” Schefter said. “They don’t want to put him out there, they don’t want any wear-and-tear on his body. He knows how the game works, he knows how the offense functions, he knows how his teammates think and operate. They are intentionally keeping him out in the interest of maintenance, preservation, wise caution.”
Stafford is dealing with back soreness that began over the summer before camp. While he’s yet to participate in live quarterback drills, he’s been active in individual work with the Rams’ training staff.
“He’s able to do a little bit of lighter cardio and able to do some good core work, but it’s more just functional strength surrounding the area while making sure that you don’t do anything to set yourself back based on the trajectory that he’s doing,” McVay said, per ESPN’s . “But we are looking forward to getting him and easing him back into football, hopefully in the near future.”
Prediction Remains Week 1 vs. Texans
The Rams open up their season on Sept. 7 at home against the Texans. That gives Stafford nearly four more weeks to get fully healthy and stack first-team reps — and all signs continue to point to him being under center when the Rams take the field.
Yes, Stafford’s durability has been a topic since his arrival in L.A., but when healthy, he’s still one of the league’s most productive passers. With a reloaded offense that includes breakout threats like Davante Adams and Puka Nacua, plus a stronger offensive line, the Rams are banking on Stafford to be ready for face Houston.
“If the Rams had a game today, Matthew Stafford would be playing without a question.” Schefter said. “There’s no urgency to get him out there. Plenty of time before the season kicks off. That’s why there is zero panic from the Rams. They’re not looking for another quarterback, it’s not like they’re in that market. Matthew Stafford is being counted on to return to come back and play the way that he has.”
Stafford will continue participating in personal workouts at Rams training camp — part of the team’s plan to manage his recovery ahead of Week 1.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post NFL Insider’s Positive Matthew Stafford Update Is Good News For Rams appeared first on Heavy Sports.