After an excellent 2024 season that saw them win the NFC West and make the Divisional Round of the playoffs, the Los Angeles Rams are looking to take that next step into Super Bowl contention in 2025. But in order for Sean McVay’s squad to do so, they need another outstanding year from quarterback Matthew Stafford.
Stafford restructured his contract this offseason in order to remain with the Rams, but he has yet to participate fully in training camp due to a back issue. And when asked if Stafford would take part in an upcoming joint practice with the Dallas Cowboys, McVay confirmed he wouldn’t while also refusing to set a timeline on his quarterback’s return.
“The Cowboys, no. The Cowboys, I would say that’s less than likely,” McVay told reporters. “With the Chargers, and I know I’m probably irritating you guys, but it truly is a week-to-week thing and what I don’t want to do is set a timeline. I know he’s making good progress, saw Dr. Watkins again today. Everything is in good shape. But to answer your question, the Cowboys is a no and then we’ll see about the Chargers.”
McVay and the Rams are going to be very cautious with how they handle this back issue and rightfully so. Stafford is doing a few things in camp, but McVay made it clear that the last thing they want to do is incur a setback that could keep their quarterback out for a long time.
“It’s really just static throwing. It’s some of the unloaded running on the treadmill. Sometimes it might even be walking,” McVay responded when asked what Stafford is able to do right now. “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. But we are looking forward to getting him and easing him back into football hopefully in the near future.”
Stafford has been in the league long enough to not need much, if any practice to be ready once the regular season begins so getting him healthy and ready once that time comes is the top priority. In the meantime, Jimmy Garoppolo and Stetson Bennett will get all the reps they can handle and hopefully Stafford can return to full strength soon.
Rams’ Matthew Stafford is fifth-highest rated QB in Madden 26
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