Matthew Stafford has not yet participated in live plays at the Los Angeles Rams’ training camp because of a persistent back soreness, but multiple team sources indicate this won’t prevent him from playing in the Rams’ Week 1 matchup against the Houston Texans. The veteran quarterback’s situation is being closely monitored, with optimism that he will be ready for the season opener on September 7 at home.
Stafford’s Injury Managed with Caution
At 37 years old and entering his 17th NFL season, Stafford is recovering from a back issue that began before training camp. The Rams are approaching his care carefully because Stafford previously missed eight games in 2022 due to a spinal cord contusion and dealt with minor injuries last year. Despite those setbacks, he led Los Angeles to the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/nfc/”>NFC Divisional round and threw for 3,762 yards with 20 touchdowns in the prior season.
Until his back improves, backups Jimmy Garoppolo and Stetson Bennett have been taking first-team reps to maintain offensive continuity. Stafford has, however, remained active in personal workouts and non-contact sessions with the training staff as part of his rehabilitation plan.
Insights from Team and Analysts on Stafford’s Condition
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Stafford’s back issue is not considered serious by the Rams, emphasizing the team’s intent to protect the quarterback’s health.
“It does not sound like an issue,”
—Adam Schefter, NFL insider
Schefter elaborated on the careful approach saying,
“My understanding is that it is a total maintenance issue. They don’t want to put him out there, they don’t want any wear-and-tear on his body. He knows how the game works, he knows how the offense functions, he knows how his teammates think and operate. They are intentionally keeping him out in the interest of maintenance, preservation, wise caution.”
—Adam Schefter, NFL insider
Rams head coach Sean McVay also described Stafford’s current routine, noting the quarterback’s engagement in lighter cardio and functional core training designed to build strength around the affected area without risking setbacks.
“He’s able to do a little bit of lighter cardio and able to do some good core work, but it’s more just functional strength surrounding the area while making sure that you don’t do anything to set yourself back based on the trajectory that he’s doing,”
—Sean McVay, Rams head coach
“But we are looking forward to getting him and easing him back into football, hopefully in the near future.”
—Sean McVay, Rams head coach
Stafford Expected to Return by Season Opener Against Texans
The Rams are giving Stafford nearly four weeks to increase his workload progressively and resume full practice before facing the Texans in Los Angeles. Despite Stafford’s history of injuries since joining the Rams, he remains a vital part of a retooled offense featuring skill players like Davante Adams and Puka Nacua and benefits from a reinforced offensive line.
Adam Schefter reiterated the Rams’ confidence in Stafford’s readiness for Week 1, stating,
“If the Rams had a game today, Matthew Stafford would be playing without a question.”
—Adam Schefter, NFL insider
“There’s no urgency to get him out there. Plenty of time before the season kicks off. That’s why there is zero panic from the Rams. They’re not looking for another quarterback, it’s not like they’re in that market. Matthew Stafford is being counted on to return to come back and play the way that he has.”
—Adam Schefter, NFL insider
Until Stafford fully ramps up, he will continue individualized workouts as part of the team’s carefully managed recovery program, balancing both healing and preparation for the upcoming season.