The Los Angeles Rams have turned a corner in the polarizing saga around two-time Pro Bowler Matthew Stafford.
Stafford has been sidelined since training camp began after self-reporting back tightness that was ultimately diagnosed as an aggravated disc. He has since worked with team trainers and even specialists to get back on the field, and he has.
“Matthew Stafford out at practice. [No. 9 emoji],” the Rams posted on X on August 18.
“For the first time since camp began, #Rams QB Matthew Stafford (back) is suited up for practice,” NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero posted on X on August 18.
Stafford, 37, has navigated various injuries before and during his Rams tenure.
That includes missing eight games during the 2022 season with a spinal contusion after he dealt with an elbow issue during the preceding offseason. The Rams and Stafford re-worked the veteran’s contract this past offseason into a two-year, $84 million pact.
Stafford, who has earned $364 million in his career, was among the more intriguing storylines around the NFL as training camps have gone on.
Matthew Stafford’s Return ‘Great News’ for Rams
GettyMatthew Stafford #9 and Stetson Bennett IV #13 listen to Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay against the Dallas Cowboys.
Rams head coach Sean McVay has not only expressed little concern about Stafford, but also the utmost confidence in the veteran’s backups.
Veteran Jimmy Garoppolo has operated as QB1 in practice, while 2023 fourth-round pick Stetson Bennett IV has run the show in the Rams’ two preseason games during Stafford’s absence in training camp.
There is no denying, though, that Stafford is a difference-maker for the Rams.
“QB Matthew Stafford is practicing,” ESPN’s Sarah Barshop posted on X, spurring colleague Jeremy Fowler to share the report and included clip.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter also shared a clip of Stafford’s return to the practice field, with Field Yates sharing that post.
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer called Stafford getting back to work “great news” for the Rams, who are hoping to make a Super Bowl run after an improbable 10-6 season led them to the doorstep of the NFC Championship Game.
“There we go,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport posted.
It remains to be seen how much work Stafford will do or how his back will respond to the workload the Rams give him.
Matthew Stafford’s Busy Offseason
GettyMatthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on against the Dallas Cowboys.
This has been an active offseason for Stafford and the Rams, who allowed the Super Bowl champion to gauge his value around the league. He found offers greater than what the Rams offered financially, but still returned.
The injury served as both a setback and a reminder that the Rams’ future at quarterback may not yet be on the roster, though Bennett has tried to make his case this preseason.
Stafford has also taken on a new co-hosting role on the “Let’s Go! Podcast.”
“It started as a vehicle for Tom Brady, Larry Fitzgerald, and Jim Gray. Last year, it featured Bill Belichick, Maxx Crosby, Peter King, and Gray,” Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio wrote on August 12. “This year, Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford joins as a co-host, replacing Belichick.
“It’s a surprising turn for the usually reticent Stafford. And it could be a sign that he’s inching toward a post-football media career.”
If Stafford is leaning into that mindset, the Rams will need to maximize his remaining time.
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