The Los Angeles Rams expect to have quarterback Matthew Stafford in uniform and on the practice field to participate next week, according to head coach Sean McVay. However, the Rams’ plans for their future at the position, i.e., Arch Manning, just took a big hit.
Stafford has been dealing with a disc issue in his back. And, after going to visit a specialist, McVay is again confidently proclaiming his QB will return sooner rather than later.
It was Manning’s grandfather, Archie Manning, though, who delivered the dour update.
“Arch isn’t going to do that,” the elder Manning told Texas Monthly about his Heisman trophy-candidate grandson declaring early for the 2026 draft in comments published on August 6. “He’ll be at Texas.”
Arch Manning has also downplayed the hype surrounding him, which includes a rumored ideal plan for the Rams in which the QB lands in LA.
Rams’ Plan Encounters Unfortunate Hurdle
GettyArch Manning #16 of the Texas Longhorns reacts against the Texas A&M Aggies.
McVay and the Rams own two first-round picks in the 2026 draft following their trade with the Atlanta Falcons during the 2025 cycle. They hoped to use one or a combination of those picks on Manning.
“The Rams covet Manning’s prototypical size (6-foot-4, 219 pounds) and throwing acumen … but also believe his high level of athleticism sets him apart from every other college quarterback,” Yahoo Sports’ Charles Robinson wrote in July. “The comparison for Manning inside the franchise is that his ceiling after the 2025 college season could be a Josh Allen-type of prospect who is actually stronger physically and a faster athlete than Allen was when he entered the draft in 2018.”
This is where the questions about the hype surrounding Manning come in, including from himself, grandpa Archie, and even his father, Cooper Manning.
“You know how they do in the media. They crown you way too early, and then, they jump on and kill you,” Cooper Manning told Dan Patrick on “The Dan Patrick Show” in July. “He’s getting way too much attention and way too much credit. And he’s going to struggle, and they’re going to say, ‘He’s not as good. He’s overrated.’ It’s coming. Everybody knows it. So, it’s kind of easy to see the writing on the wall.”
Hopefully for McVay and the Rams, they will not need Manning and can focus on other options or Stafford.
Sean McVay Sets Record Straight About Matthew Stafford
GettyLos Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay talks to quarterback Matthew Stafford #9 during Organized Team Activities.
Stafford has already hinted at returning for the 2026 season, but the 2025 campaign seemingly hangs in the balance as he navigates a back issue. McVay made it clear that the panic about Stafford missing practice is overblown in the Rams’ eyes.
“What I do think is important, if this was in season, he would be playing right now,” McVay told reporters on August 7. “We have taken a very cautious approach. But if we were playing a game this week, he would be playing in the game. I think that’s important for you guys to be aware of as well.”
McVay has expressed faith in QB2 Jimmy Garoppolo, and the Rams also have players who know their system in Dresser Winn and Stetson Bennett IV.
Still, McVay and the Rams have Super Bowl aspirations, and Stafford is essential to realizing them.
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