What was supposed to be a routine step forward in Matthew Stafford’s recovery has instead turned into another uneasy chapter for the Los Angeles Rams.
Stafford, battling a disc issue in his back, was expected to suit up for practice Monday after going through a weekend workout that included roughly 60 passes — without restrictions on the types of throws. Instead, he was spotted in street clothes, with head coach Sean McVay later confirming that his back “wasn’t feeling good enough” to participate.
“We’re going to be flexible and fluid,” McVay said, noting the team is evaluating the situation daily. When asked if surgery was on the table, he added, “That hasn’t been something that comes up. There’s been a lot of conversations about what’s the best method of how we want to approach it.”
Los Angeles Rams: No Update On Matthew Stafford Injury As Regular Season Rapidly Approaches
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For a franchise less than a month from Week 1, “flexible and fluid” is easier said than done. Stafford hasn’t practiced at all during training camp, and while his weekend throwing session showed progress, the setback on Monday and Tuesday has only heightened concern.
Assistant head coach and passing game coordinator Aubrey Pleasant admitted the reality is weighing on everyone involved. “No, no update on Matthew, but what I will tell you is it’s very tough for not only him and for the organization,” Pleasant said. “I would say that he’s trying his best.”
In the meantime, the Rams are leaning heavily on veteran Jimmy Garoppolo — a quarterback who, for a brief time in his career, held the title of highest-paid player in NFL history. Pleasant praised both Garoppolo and the coaching staff for their adaptability.
“You have a Super Bowl-contending quarterback like Jimmy Garoppolo who we played against, and now we have to deal with him in practice,” Pleasant said. “I’m really impressed more than anything with our offensive staff catering an offense to what Jimmy can do very well while still understanding that this is Matthew’s team as we continue to move forward.”
It may be Stafford’s team in the big picture, but until his back cooperates, the Rams’ immediate future may hinge on running a Garoppolo-led offense. With the season opener just over three weeks away, the clock is ticking — and the margin for error in a loaded NFC grows thinner by the day.
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