Matthew Stafford was absent from the Los Angeles Rams’ Wednesday walkthrough, a reminder of the uncertainty surrounding the veteran quarterback’s back injury and the team’s evolving contingency plans. While the Rams have not yet made any formal announcements regarding Stafford’s availability, his missed reps signal that the coaching staff is preparing for multiple scenarios ahead of the season opener.
That preparation includes a closer look at Jimmy Garoppolo, who has been taking on more responsibility in practice. The Rams have been careful not to overload Garoppolo early in camp, but with Stafford sidelined, they’ve been accelerating his involvement in first-team drills and exploring packages tailored to his strengths. Offensive adjustments could range from more play-action looks to a quicker passing rhythm designed to keep Garoppolo in control of the tempo.
Matthew Stafford’s Missing Rams-Saints Joint Practice Means No Tuning With the New Offense And New Players
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Stafford’s absence is especially notable given the Rams’ emphasis on fine-tuning their timing before facing real competition. Head coach Sean McVay has stressed that while Garoppolo is well-versed in West Coast concepts, mastering the playbook and personnel requires live reps, particularly with a receiving corps headlined by Davante Adams and Puka Nacua.
Behind Garoppolo, they are also evaluating depth options, giving additional snaps to Stetson Bennett and rookie Dresser Winn. Both have seen an uptick in reps as the team works through different quarterback combinations in practice.
The situation has heightened the importance of the Rams’ upcoming joint practices with the New Orleans Saints. McVay values these sessions as controlled yet highly competitive environments that can simulate game-day intensity without the full risk of preseason injuries. For Garoppolo, they represent an ideal testing ground to sharpen chemistry with the starters and solidify the offense’s identity in case Stafford isn’t ready to go when the season kicks off or in the growing likelihood he will need to fill in for Stafford at some point this season.
If Stafford’s recovery allows him to return to full participation soon, these practice reps will still serve as a valuable insurance policy. But if not, the work being done now could be the difference between a rocky start and a smooth transition under center.
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