Matthew Stafford remains the Los Angeles Rams’ unquestioned QB1, but the organization has already made sure they have a capable Plan B in place if his lingering back injury forces them to pivot this season.
Stafford, 37, has been battling an aggravated disk in his back — an issue significant enough to warrant an epidural injection and multiple consultations with specialists. While head coach Sean McVay has consistently said the veteran is expected to be ready for Week 1, the team is managing him on a week-to-week basis. And given the nature of the injury, that will likely continue throughout the season.
Mixed Messages Come Out Of Los Angeles Rams Camp On Matthew Stafford Injury
Get LAFB’s World Famous ‘Ring Me’ Aaron Donald T-Shirt
Stafford’s workload has been closely monitored. He threw 68 passes during a Saturday workout earlier this month with no reported limitations, but McVay has since admitted there have been setbacks. “It didn’t respond the way that you wanted it to,” McVay said. “We are going to still be safe. But I think more than anything he wants to be out there more than anybody… we felt like it wasn’t in alignment with how he was feeling to progress accordingly.”
That caution has extended to the practice field. The Rams kept Stafford out of the team’s important joint practice with the Cowboys and have kept him out of preseason action entirely. Instead, veteran Jimmy Garoppolo — re-signed this offseason to a one-year, $3 million deal — has taken all of the first-team reps.
Rams Designed Garoppolo Specific Gameplan
Defensive backs coach Aubrey Pleasant has noticed how naturally Garoppolo has fit in. “You have a Super Bowl-contending quarterback like Jimmy Garoppolo, who we played against, and now we have to deal with him in practice,” Pleasant said. “I’m really impressed more than anything with our offensive staff catering an offense to what Jimmy can do very well while still understanding that this is Matthew’s team as we continue to move forward.”
The balance Pleasant describes is exactly what the Rams hoped for when they brought Garoppolo back — someone with starting experience who could run the offense if needed, without creating a full-blown quarterback controversy. Garoppolo proved his readiness late last season, nearly leading L.A. to an upset win over the Seahawks in his lone start.
For now, Stafford remains on track for Week 1. Although Garoppolo will need to be prepared at all times, given the unpredictable nature of Stafford’s back injury. Week 1 isn’t the only concern. But with a deep roster, Super Bowl ambitions, and a capable backup already integrated into the offense, the Rams have given themselves something every contender covets: a safety net that won’t derail their season if the starter isn’t fully healthy during any given Sunday.
Subscribe to LAFB Network’s Los Angeles Rams YouTube Channel