The Los Angeles Rams’ quarterback situation has been anything but quiet this summer. Matthew Stafford, who’s been the face of the team’s offense since arriving in 2021, is still sidelined from full practice with a lingering back injury. The 37-year-old has missed the last two training camp sessions, and head coach Sean McVay confirmed Thursday that the next big step will come in a workout set for Saturday.
“Hopefully [his back] responds a little bit better,”McVay told Sarah Barshop of ESPN. It’s not exactly a green light, but it’s a sign the Rams are still aiming for a Week 1 return.
The Slow Build Back
Stafford’s absence has been a talking point since camp opened, and it’s easy to see why. The veteran led the Rams to a Super Bowl win in 2022 and has been a steadying force under center whenever healthy. Last season, he threw for 3,762 yards, 20 touchdowns, and just eight interceptions in 16 games, guiding L.A. to the Divisional Round before falling to the eventual champion Eagles.
The back trouble surfaced right before camp, and updates have been a mixed bag. Just last week, Stafford uncorked 68 passes in a workout without apparent restriction – a promising sign – but skipped the team’s jog-throughs and scrimmages that followed. According to McVay, surgery hasn’t been discussed. The focus remains on managing the injury without more invasive measures.
Saturday Workout Could Define Rams’ Quarterback Plan
This weekend’s session isn’t just another rehab checkpoint. It’s the Rams’ chance to gauge whether Stafford’s back can handle a regular practice load in time for the September 7 opener against Houston. McVay says the approach is all about balancing readiness with risk. “There’s been a lot of conversations about what’s the best method of how we want to approach it,” he explained.
Behind Stafford, the depth chart is already being tested. Jimmy Garoppolo is in line to start if Stafford can’t go, with second-year QB Stetson Bennett showing flashes in preseason play, including a 188-yard, two-touchdown outing against Dallas.
The Rams’ offensive outlook hinges heavily on No. 9’s health. This is a team that’s built to contend in the NFC West, especially after adding star receiver Davante Adams in the offseason. But if Stafford’s availability lingers in doubt, expectations could shift quickly – from playoff push to just trying to keep pace. Turf Show Times noted earlier this week that the tone from team insiders has shifted from “he’ll be ready” to “let’s wait and see,” reflecting a growing sense of caution.
For now, all eyes turn to Saturday. If Stafford looks sharp and pain-free, the Rams’ offense can start preparing at full speed. If not, the quarterback shuffle may officially begin – and so will the questions about how far this roster can go without its leader.
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