Rams Turning to Super Bowl Champion QB Amid Ominous Matthew Stafford Update

The Los Angeles Rams are in a polarizing position with quarterback Matthew Stafford, whose availability they continue to downplay while showing signs that something more concerning is possibly afoot and putting a spotlight on backup Jimmy Garoppolo.

Stafford, 37, has not participated in training camp, and what head coach Sean McVay initially deemed a short-term issue has become a concerning multi-week absence.

In Stafford’s stead, though, Garoppolo has reinforced the Rams’ confidence in him.

“Sources: #Rams QB Matthew Stafford is dealing with an aggravated disc and has received an epidural to help him deal with it,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on X on August 6. “Los Angeles has called him week-to-week, being cautious, but with plans for him to be ready for Week 1.

“The #Rams remain confident that Matthew Stafford will be ready to begin the regular season. But as was clear during yesterday’s joint practice with the #Cowboys, they love what Jimmy Garoppolo brings as his backup.”

Garoppolo, 33, won two titles with the New England Patriots as a backup to Tom Brady, but he also led the San Francisco 49ers to the Super Bowl as a starter following the 2019 regular season.

Garoppolo signed a one-year, $3 million contract to return to the Rams this offseason.

Jimmy Garoppolo Stepping In for Matthew Stafford in Rams Training Camp

Entering his second season with the Rams, and facing a potentially tremendous opportunity for a team with Super Bowl aspirations, Garoppolo was last a full-time starter for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2023 before he ceded the job to Aidan O’Connell.

Garoppolo is 43-21 in his career, throwing for 15,828 yards, 96 touchdowns, and 52 interceptions on 65.9% completion.

The Rams are not turning to an inexperienced QB and still have a strong supporting cast.

“Obviously Rams are better off with a healthy Matthew Stafford at QB, but kinda funny how the verdict is that they are completely screwed if they have to turn to Jimmy Garoppolo … the No. 1 QB in the Super Bowl Era in career yards per attempt,” Fantasy Life’s Ian Hartitz posted on X on August 8.

“Still 33 even though it seems like he should be 40 by now. I know the last Raiders season wasn’t cool, but idk man, seems like McVay + Puka [Nacua] + [Davante] Adams is one of the better combos to bring out the best in anyone.”

Tight ends Tyler Higbee and rookie Terrance Ferguson, and a Rams running back room helmed by the newly-minted Kyren Williams, are also at Garoppolo’s behest with Stafford out.

Rams’ Backup QB Situation Questionable

Where things could get tricky for the Rams with Stafford out is if something happens to Garoppolo, who has battled injuries in his career.

Their only other quarterbacks on the roster are 2023 fourth-round pick Stetson Bennett IV and 2023 UDFA Dresser Winn, neither of whom has thrown a pass in a regular-season game in their young careers.

The Rams’ options in free agency are slim.

How they decide to treat the QB room over the coming days, particularly any outside additions they make, could prove telling about Stafford’s health and the Rams’ faith in Garoppolo.