As the Los Angeles Rams head toward the start of the 2025 NFL season, uncertainty looms over their most critical position. Matthew Stafford, recovering from a back injury suffered in training camp, has returned to practice, but questions remain about whether he can withstand the demands of a full 17-game schedule.
Prominent NFL analyst Mike Florio recently suggested Stafford may not last the entire season. “We may see Garoppolo play at some point in the regular season, because this just doesn’t feel like it’s sustainable for 17 regular-season games,” he said, highlighting the risks inherent to back injuries for a veteran quarterback. At 37, Stafford is one of the league’s oldest starters, and even minor flare-ups could compromise his availability.
Los Angeles Rams Can’t Simulate Game Speed, Per Sean McVay
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Stafford’s return to practice is a positive sign, but head coach Sean McVay cautioned that practice cannot fully replicate the pace and intensity of a real NFL game. “Yeah, he looks good. He looks good to me. I think like anything else, you can’t simulate the speed at which this game is played and the way that we try to practice while still protecting each other,” McVay said.
He added that while the team attempts to emulate game situations, there is always a trade-off between preparation and minimizing injury risk. “What I do think is you don’t get good at football unless you play football. What we try to do is mimic and emulate game-like situations and settings while minimizing the risk of injury at practice.”
McVay emphasized that Stafford’s progress over the past two days of padded practice has been encouraging. “It’s a different speed. There are different things that we’re activating when we’re in pads. There’s a little bit more volume on both sides. I think he’s handled the last two days really well. I’ll be, just like a lot of fans and a lot of his teammates and coaches, really hopeful that this is the direction that we continue to stack good blocks so we can build a good foundation and allow him to be the Matthew that we’re accustomed to seeing and feel as good as possible by the time the opener comes around.”
The Rams have also prepared their depth chart for potential setbacks. Jimmy Garoppolo provides experience and stability.
On a recent episode of The Rams Skinny, host Ryan Dyrud identified a tough stretch of games that will test Stafford’s back,
“The big one I’m watching is that midseason Thursday night game against the Niners after back-to-back matchups at Philly and then against the Colts,” Dyrud said. “The Colts aren’t a bad team; their defensive line is solid. So Eagles, Colts, and then a short week against the Niners — that’s a stretch. Will Stafford be fully ready after that? Based on this offseason, it’s hard to say.”
McVay’s guarded approach to Stafford’s status and the measured pace of practice reflect the organization’s awareness of the physical risks. With playoff aspirations on the line, the Rams face a delicate balance: getting their veteran quarterback ready without jeopardizing his health. Florio’s cautionary note serves as a reminder that Stafford’s availability may define not only the team’s Week 1 readiness but the trajectory of their entire 2025 season.
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