Sean McVay and the Los Angeles Rams have been very coy about what is keeping quarterback Matthew Stafford out of training camp.
What began as missing the first five practices with back soreness, shifted to week-to-week and consultation with a spine specialist. Anything dealing with the spine is much more worrisome than just back soreness.
Today, we finally have a little clarity on what the starting QB is dealing with.
Sources: #Rams QB Matthew Stafford is dealing with an aggravated disc and has received an epidural to help him deal with it.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 6, 2025
Los Angeles has called him week-to-week, being cautious, but with plans for him to be ready for Week 1. pic.twitter.com/wpj0Uqghax
According to Ian Rapoport, Stafford is dealing with an aggravated disc and has received an epidural to help him deal with the pain.
Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford’s Injury More Serious?
According to everything Sean McVay and the Rams have said, there is no reason to be concerned. They are being extremely cautious and giving Stafford ample time to rest and get to 100% health. They fully expect him to be ready to go for Week 1 against the Houston Texans.
However, anyone who knows anything about spine issues and aggravated discs knows that it isn’t nothing. These types of injuries linger, and sometimes, never fully heal.
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The biggest question with Stafford is not whether or not he will play, but more so about what level he will play at.
The is a team with Super Bowl aspirations. If Matthew Stafford is not at 100%, can he still lead them to that goal? If Jimmy Garoppolo has to step in, will he give the team enough to carry them to a deep playoff run?
It is not time to sound the alarm, yet. All we can really do is take what Coach McVay and the team are saying about the situation. And based on that, this is a non-issue.
That being said, back injuries when you are 37 years old are typically never a “non-issue.” We will have to see how this one plays out and hope for the best. For now, Jimmy G is leading this team through camp.