Rams Deliver Major Injury Update About Quarterback Matthew Stafford

The Los Angeles Rams are getting closer to having two-time Pro Bowl quarterback Matthew Stafford back on the practice field. Stafford has been sidelined with soreness in his back that was initially ruled a minor issue, but he eventually received an epidural and visited a specialist.

Rams head coach Sean McVay has insisted that there was no need for major concern about his quarterback.

McVay was correct, with Stafford going through a successful workout on Saturday.

“It was awesome. He looked good. He threw the ball really well. There was no limitations in terms of the types of throws; deep, intermediate, short. We were moving the launch point, and he felt really good,” McVay told reporters on August 9. “Looking forward to progressing him back into practice on Monday, but it was a good step in the right direction.”

Top 100 Players of 2025:@RamsNFL QB Matthew Stafford is ranked No. 59 overall! @NFLFIlms pic.twitter.com/S7jMbEGUuG

 

— NFL (@NFL) July 28, 2025

McVay said that he did not know if Stafford was still dealing with any pain, saying that was a question best reserved for the Rams’ QB, who missed the preseason-opening win over the Dallas Cowboys.

McVay estimated Stafford attempted “68” throws in the session, which offers even more encouragement that he can hit the ground running for the Rams.

Rams Pleased With Stetson Bennett IV in Preseason Opener

The Rams’ Super Bowl hopes hinge on Stafford, and they like backup Jimmy Garoppolo. But McVay also had high praise for 2023 fourth-round pick Stetson Bennett IV.

Bennett completed 16 of 24 passes for 188 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception.

“I thought Stetson did an excellent job, being able to distribute the field,” McVay said. “Saw things well. I thought we got in and out of the huddle. And so, really happy for a lot of guys, making plays tonight, and it was cool to see how excited their teammates were for him as well.”

Stafford was in attendance for the game, and he celebrated with Bennett on the sideline at one point.

“I think I’ve kind of always been that way, just spreading it around,” Bennett told reporters after the game. “I just trust my reads and just go through it. I think sometimes, I went through it a little bit too fast, and we’ll go back and watch the film and see that. I think it’s just being more comfortable with the system.”

Bennett was the only Rams QB to play in the game with Stafford out.

Stetson Bennett IV Looking to Learn From Matthew Stafford

Bennett’s progress this preseason is something for the Rams to monitor, particularly with the team’s future after Stafford as uncertain as it is.

The Rams have an experienced veteran in Garoppolo as QB2, and McVay likes him. But Garoppolo turns 34 years old in November. Rams QB4 Dresser Winn has never attempted a pass in the regular season.

He is younger than Bennett, but lacks the same draft pedigree, going unselected in 2023.

Bennett turns 28 in October, meaning he is an older player himself despite him only entering his third NFL season.  Still, Bennett may be the Rams’ best option for “quarterback of the future.”

The Rams face uncertainty in the 2026 draft due to Stafford potentially retiring, an unsettled class, and not yet knowing where they will select with either of their two first-round picks, one of which is from the Atlanta Falcons.

Bennett taking big steps forward behind Stafford would be a boon for the Rams.