Stafford Expected to Start, But Back Risks Loom Large
According to Adam Grosbard, Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay confirmed that Matthew Stafford is expected to start Week 1 against the Texans. After practicing fully all last week without setbacks—including participating in 11-on-11 drills—Stafford appears on track. McVay’s confidence is evident: Stafford will start.
But that assurance comes with a caveat: Stafford is managing a lingering back injury, and though he’s deemed “ready to play,” there’s widespread concern about whether he can play well when hit.
A Cautious Return from a Persistent Injury
Get your Puka-Flex T-Shirt Here
Stafford’s back issue—a persistently aggravated disc—derailed much of training camp. Harsh enough that Sean McVay described his return to practice as cautious and week-to-week. “If we were playing a game this week, he would be playing in the game,” McVay said.
Still, Stafford missed extended portions of camp, often working only with trainers or from indoors. At times, his absence inflamed fan anxiety and media speculation, with pundits warning that one big hit could extend into a season-long issue.
Week 1 Availability vs. Week 1 Effectiveness
Starting Stafford would be ideal. He’s the Rams’ top-tier quarterback—capable of elevating the team’s offensive ceiling. With weapons like Davante Adams and Puka Nacua around him, the offense has built-in punch when Stafford is healthy. As Sports Illustrated’s Matt Verderame noted, if Stafford stays healthy, the Rams could contend at the highest level.
However, concerns remain critical. Will his back withstand hits from aggressive defenses like Houston’s? While Stafford’s arm looks good, what about his durability in live hits?
And if Stafford can’t manage the physicality—either in Week 1 or later—Jimmy Garoppolo may have to step in. Garoppolo is solid, but not a long-term solution for a team with Super Bowl aspirations. ESPN’s Dan Graziano even suggested there might be a week where Stafford just can’t go, forcing Garoppolo into action. Newsweek
The Bottom Line
Matthew Stafford is expected to start this Sunday, per McVay, and his comeback includes full practice participation. But Stafford’s back injury introduces uncertainty—not just about availability, but performance under contact. For the Rams to fulfill their promise this season, Stafford’s back must hold up under fire. If it does, Los Angeles enters the year positioned for success. If it doesn’t, even one wrong hit could shift the quarterback conversation—and the playoff outlook—for the entire season.
Subscribe to LAFB Network’s Los Angeles Rams YouTube Channel