The Los Angeles Rams are still searching for answers when it comes to Matthew Stafford’s back injury — and the uncertainty is beginning to define their training camp.
Stafford was absent again on Thursday during the Rams’ joint practice with the New Orleans Saints, as expected, while he continues to recover from an aggravated disc. Head coach Sean McVay, speaking to reporters afterward, acknowledged that the team is “trying to get our hands around this,” a sign that even internally, the Rams are still piecing together the best path forward.
Los Angeles Rams Hope Matthew Stafford Injury Responds Better On Saturday
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The 37-year-old quarterback has yet to participate in a single training camp practice this summer. His most recent on-field activity came on Aug. 9, when he threw more than 60 passes in a workout that McVay described as “awesome.” At the time, there was optimism that Stafford could return to practice by Monday — but that didn’t happen. Instead, he sat out the entire week, prompting the team to try again with another scheduled workout this Saturday before the team faces the Chargers in preseason action.
“Hopefully [his back] responds a little bit better,” McVay said, noting that the plan will mirror last weekend’s script. “We’re trying some different things that are hopefully going to be in alignment with getting him back out on the field.”
The team’s medical approach has been aggressive and varied. Stafford recently underwent an epidural injection to address the pain, has been receiving ongoing treatment since camp began, and has even used an Ammortal chamber during practice sessions. The Rams are doing everything they can to have him ready for Week 1, but McVay stopped short of making any promises.
For now, Jimmy Garoppolo continues to take first-team reps in Stafford’s absence. While the Rams traditionally rest starters — and even key backups — during preseason games under McVay, the bigger concern is whether their franchise quarterback will be physically ready when the games begin to count.
With just weeks to go before their opener, the Rams’ handling of Stafford’s situation has shifted from proactive to reactive. Saturday’s workout won’t just be another test of his back — it may be the clearest indicator yet of whether Los Angeles can expect to start the season with its leader under center.
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