Despite the Los Angeles Rams giving a positive update a few days ago, Matthew Stafford was notably absent from team practice today, Monday, August 11, as he appeared in street clothes. This fueled widespread concerns about his disc issue, with numerous insiders reporting on the situation. In response, head coach Sean McVay quickly addressed these rumors by ruling out any radical measures regarding the quarterback’s health.
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay stated that quarterback Matthew Stafford did not attend today’s practice because he is not feeling well enough, Myles Simmons reports in Pro Football Talk. When asked whether Stafford needed surgery, he replied, “There’s been a lot of conversations about what’s the best method of how we want to approach it. That hasn’t been something that comes up,” he said, via Sarah Barshop of ESPN.
While Stafford missed practice, McVay still left the door open for the 37-year-old veteran to suit up against the Los Angeles Chargers. He emphasized that his participation would ultimately hinge on his condition come game day. Given that Matthew does not seem to be operating at full capacity, the team may limit his playing time to prevent exacerbating his injury.
Could Matthew Stafford’s back injury open the door for Jimmy Garoppolo to become the starter QB?
With Matthew Stafford struggling due to a persistent back injury, the stage may be set for Jimmy Garoppolo to step up as the Los Angeles Rams’ primary quarterback. At 37, Stafford remains a pivotal presence on the team, yet Sean McVay might have no choice but to limit his playing time if the back issues persist.
Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams throws a pass during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings during the NFC Wild Card Playoff at State Farm Stadium on January 13, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona.
Though Garoppolo can deliver solid performances, his skills do not yet match the elite level of Stafford, who ranks among the NFL’s top quarterbacks. Nonetheless, his role could expand significantly, particularly as McVay has indicated that starting positions will be determined on a week-to-week basis.
see also
Rams fans suspicious as Matthew Stafford’s situation takes another twist
Sean McVay reveals when Matthew Stafford will be back in full shape for the Los Angeles Rams
While Sean McVay has not ruled out the possibility of Stafford playing against the Chargers, he candidly admitted that he plans to adjust the veteran quarterback’s workload over the next four weeks with a clear objective in mind. “So that he can feel as good as possible when we open up against Houston (on September 7). I do think it’s important to be able to get some work in, but not at the expense of following the plan that we’ve talked about,” he said, as reported by Fox Sports.
