The Los Angeles Rams are going in the wrong direction with quarterback Matthew Stafford based on head coach Sean McVay’s comments.
Stafford was set to be sidelined for the first block of training camp practices as he dealt with back soreness, but McVay was forced to backtrack on his estimated timeline just days after delivering it.
Now, the Pro Bowl and Super Bowl champion QB is “week-to-week.”
“Little update on Matthew: he’s doing really well,” McVay told reporters on July 26. “We’ve got a good plan in place. We are going to still take some more time with him, though. Nothing that’s changed, in terms of a setback. I probably spoke a little bit too soon, but the ultimate goal is Houston, and being mindful of that. So, we’ll take it a week at a time with him.”
McVay said that based on conversations with Stafford and team doctors, resting the 37-year-old QB was the “smart” decision. Stafford did side work during the first week of camp, per McVay.
That’s a turn from when McVay said Stafford would start practicing – previously he said he felt “pretty good” that the QB would only miss the first block of camp,” The Athletic’s Jourdan Rodrigue posted on X on July 26.
“McVay told reporters that Stafford will now be a “week at a time” and added that’s probably what he should have said in the first place.”
The Rams’ head coach also said Stafford will not practice with the Rams next week.
Matthew Stafford Injury an Ominous Reminder
GettyMatthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams prepares to take the field against the Green Bay Packers.
Stafford has played in 57 of a possible 68 regular-season contests with the Rams, missing two or fewer games in three of his four seasons. In the fourth season (2022), though, Stafford entered the campaign navigating an elbow injury during the offseason program.
He made nine starts that season but was put on injured reserve with a spinal contusion after two stints in concussion protocols and experiencing numbness in his legs.
That issue began with a similar cautious approach before it spiraled.
Stafford made 15 starts and made his second Pro Bowl in 2023.
This past season, Stafford and the Rams shook off a 1-4 start to finish the campaign 10-6 with him at the helm. The Rams re-worked Stafford’s contract this offseason, turning it into a two-year, $80 million deal.
Stafford has already entertained the possibility of returning for the 2026 season, but the Rams are also keeping their options open for the future.
This injury hiccup could serve to bolster their resolve to find their quarterback of the future.
Jimmy Garoppolo Getting Noteworthy Opportunity
GettyJimmy Garoppolo #11 of the Los Angeles Rams warms up before a game against the Minnesota Vikings during the NFC Wild Card Playoff.
With Stafford sidelined, journeyman QB Jimmy Garoppolo has received first-team reps in training camp.
Garoppolo, 33, is in his second season with the Rams. He garnered a highlight from the Rams for his deep connection with former Las Vegas Raiders teammate Davante Adams. Adams signed with LA in free agency this offseason.
Adams and Garoppolo have a complicated history.
However, they are the Rams’ top combination on offense as long as Stafford misses time with what can be a tricky injury to navigate, especially for a player with a notable injury history.
Garoppolo is a two-time Super Bowl champion, though those victories came as a backup with the New England Patriots. Still, he has the confidence of McVay and the coaching staff as well as ample experience. Stetson Bennett IV and Dresser Winn are the Rams’ other QBs.
The Rams need Stafford back as soon as possible with their Super Bowl goals.
