The Los Angeles Rams received encouraging injury news Monday as several key defensive players returned to practice, even as quarterback Matthew Stafford remained sidelined due to back issues.
Defensive end Kobie Turner (back), inside linebacker Nate Landman (calf), safety Kam Curl (ankle), defensive tackle Poona Ford (groin), and cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon (calf) were all back on the field, according to Stu Jackson of theRams.com. Head coach Sean McVay was optimistic about the progress: “So really, everybody was back out there that had kind of been missing, and that’s a real positive.”
The team has largely avoided serious injuries to starters so far, but rookie tight end Terrance Ferguson remains sidelined.
Ferguson suffered a groin injury. McVay emphasized caution: “We’re going to be smart with him,” he said of Turner, adding uncertainty on Ferguson’s return timeline, “Don’t know how long he’ll be out for, but we are going to be smart.”
Rams Report Positive Injury Updates as Stafford Sits Out Practice
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However, Stafford did not join the session, despite initial plans for him to practice Monday after a solid workout on Saturday, during which he threw more than 60 passes without restrictions. Reporters observed Stafford in street clothes to start practice, and McVay later confirmed the quarterback’s back wasn’t feeling good enough for him to take part.
“We’re going to be flexible and fluid,” McVay said, referencing the ongoing management of Stafford’s aggravated disc issue. On the possibility of surgery, McVay noted, “There’s been a lot of conversations about what’s the best method of how we want to approach it. That hasn’t been something that comes up.”
Throughout training camp, Stafford has missed all practices due to the back injury, leaving backup Jimmy Garoppolo to take first-team snaps.
Turner has been notably durable over two seasons despite a previous groin issue during training camp last year. Landman’s history includes quad and calf injuries in 2024 that led to a stint on injured reserve, underscoring the importance of careful management.
As the Rams head toward a preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers, maintaining player health remains a top priority — especially with the question mark surrounding Stafford’s readiness.
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