Los Angeles Rams veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford was excused from practice this week because of back soreness. Head coach Sean McVay emphasized that the team is focusing on a long-term strategy for Stafford’s health rather than rushing his return. With Stafford entering his 17th <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL season, McVay highlighted the importance of managing his workload carefully.
“If he was a first-year player, then I think you’d say, ‘Man, every rep really matters,’”
McVay said, referencing Stafford’s veteran status.
“I think the important thing is having a big-picture perspective with a guy going into Year 17.”
Stafford has been allowed to train independently, working
“off to the side on his own,”
according to McVay, aiming to be fully prepared for the upcoming second part of training camp. McVay is confident that this approach will help Stafford regain his form without aggravating the injury.
Backup Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo Provides Security for Rams
McVay also acknowledged the value of having a reliable backup in Jimmy Garoppolo, which eases pressure on the team while Stafford recovers. McVay said,
“When you have a quality player like Jimmy that can step in, now you don’t feel like the team is totally punished either.”
This provides Los Angeles with stability at the quarterback position as they navigate Stafford’s injury situation.
Cardinals Rookie Defensive Lineman Elijah Simmons Impressing in Practice
On the other side of the league, Arizona Cardinals undrafted rookie defensive lineman Elijah Simmons has distinguished himself by earning first-team reps early in training camp. Despite not being selected in the NFL Draft, Simmons has caught the attention of teammates and coaches alike with his strong work ethic and physical prowess.
Veteran defensive lineman Calais Campbell praised Simmons, saying,
“As an undrafted free agent rookie, that’s rare, so take advantage. Make it look good. He’s a big strong guy, I’m sure he bench-presses over 500 pounds. But he works hard. It’s hard to get good information this early, but he hasn’t messed up much. He’s focused and eager.”
Simmons himself remains grounded about his path.
“I never took anything for granted,”
he said.
“When opportunity comes, it comes. I never doubt anything. They pick who they pick. Now I have the opportunity to live out my dreams. I just have to take it with a grain of salt.”
Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon encourages Simmons to keep improving without stressing over the competition.
“The battling the depth chart, if you are counting numbers, that’s an external factor that’s really pointless,”
Gannon remarked.
“Control what you can control and become the best player, because you don’t know how it’s going to kick out.”
Additional Roster Moves and Player Updates Across NFL Camps
The Cardinals continue to evaluate talent, recently working out edge rusher Jaylon Allen, formerly with the Memphis Showboats, and hosting defensive back Steven Gilmore for a tryout.
Meanwhile, the Seattle Seahawks have shared encouraging news about running back Kenneth Walker, who is showing notable progress following an ankle injury that sidelined him earlier in spring training. Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald remarked,
“He’s in a great spot, mentally. Just awesome to see him do all the things that we want him to do from the get-go. I know he’s really excited about what’s going on. Great first day with Ken.”
However, the outlook is more cautious with outside linebacker Uchenna Nwosu, who continues recovering from offseason knee surgery and is not expected to be ready for practice anytime soon. Macdonald commented on the timeline, stating,
“We’ll go into the preseason probably, throughout the rest of camp, and then we’ll go from there. We’ll just hold onto the timeline right now, but we’re not necessarily close right now.”
What These Developments Mean for the Upcoming NFL Season
The Rams’ measured approach to handling Matthew Stafford’s back soreness shows a commitment to preserving the quarterback’s long-term health, which could be critical for maintaining competitiveness deep into the season. Having Jimmy Garoppolo as a solid backup further mitigates risk for the team’s offense.
Meanwhile, rookies like Elijah Simmons seizing their moment on the Cardinals’ roster highlight the unpredictable nature of NFL training camps, where dedication and focus can rapidly alter a player‘s career trajectory despite draft status. Updates from the Seahawks underscore how injury management and recovery will remain essential as teams fine-tune their lineups.
As the NFL prepares for the regular season, these ongoing developments illustrate the blend of careful player management and fierce competition shaping team dynamics across the league.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did Matthew Stafford have brain surgery?
A. KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Patrick Mahomes, the quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, has set a new NFL record. Mahomes hit 30,000 passing yards during the first half of the game against the Las Vegas Raiders. He accomplished this feat in just 103 games, surpassing the previous record held by Matthew Stafford, who did it in 109 games.
Q. Does Matthew Stafford have a photographic memory?
A. Matthew Stafford, the quarterback for the Detroit Lions, has an exceptional memory for the nearly 10,000 plays he has experienced in his NFL career. He can recall defensive formations, his throws, and different game situations, all kept safely in his impressive mind.