Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford was present at the team’s facility Monday but did not take part in practice, according to ESPN’s Sarah Barshop. This marks another careful step in the veteran signal-caller’s ongoing recovery from an aggravated disc in his back.
Rams head coach Sean McVay had previously indicated optimism that Stafford would begin participating in individual drills on Monday after a promising workout on Saturday, when Stafford reportedly threw over 60 passes with no limitations. Despite those expectations, Stafford remained sidelined during Monday’s session, a move consistent with McVay’s historically cautious approach to managing his quarterback’s rehab throughout training camp.
Since early camp, backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has been taking first-team reps, with third-year player Stetson Bennett serving as the secondary backup.
Los Angeles Rams Still Without Matthew Stafford
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Stafford missed the entirety of the team’s practices this summer due to his back injury. Initial assessments had projected he would miss only about a week of practice, but ongoing issues led McVay to extend his absence through late July.
On Wednesday, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Stafford received an epidural injection to alleviate the back pain, a treatment that appears to have moved him closer to returning to full participation.
In Stafford’s absence, Bennett saw significant action, playing nearly the entire preseason opener—a 31-21 Rams victory over the Dallas Cowboys—only leaving the game on the final possession. The Rams secured the win with fourth-stringer Dresser Winn kneeling out the clock.
Looking ahead, McVay remains hopeful that Stafford will make his training camp debut soon, signaling confidence in the quarterback’s gradual progression. For now, Garoppolo will continue to manage first-team duties as they balance Stafford’s recovery with preparation for the regular season.
LA also made headlines recently by signing running back Kyren Williams to a three-year contract extension, signaling their intent to solidify key roster pieces as they build toward the 2025 campaign.
With Stafford’s health as the linchpin for the offense, the Rams are taking no chances, adhering to a patient and measured recovery timeline that prioritizes the veteran’s long-term availability over short-term gain.
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