Rams' QB Matthew Stafford set to resume field activities this week, according to recent updates
Los Angeles Rams' Matthew Stafford Returns to Practice as He Recovers from Back Injury
Matthew Stafford, the quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams, is making progress in his recovery from a back injury and is expected to resume working out this week. The Rams are hopeful that Stafford will be able to play in the season opener against the Houston Texans on September 7, but his availability is not yet guaranteed.
Stafford, aged 37, has been nursing an aggravated disc in his back, which led him to miss the start of training camp. He has been receiving epidural injections to aid his recovery and has recently returned to practice, participating in back-to-back full sessions. Head coach Sean McVay described Stafford’s progress as “trending in a positive direction,” though he emphasized the volatility of back injuries and the importance of Stafford consistently feeling good during practice to confirm readiness.
The Rams are prepared with backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who has extensive starting experience, in case Stafford is not fully ready. Stafford's career spans from 2009 to the present day, having spent 11 seasons with the Detroit Lions before joining the Rams. In the 2024 season, Stafford played all 16 games he started, completing 340 of 517 passes (65.8 percent) for 3,762 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions.
In the playoffs last season, Stafford was 45 of 71 (63.4 percent) for 533 yards, 4 TDs, and no picks. Stafford's career statistics include a 63.4 percent completion percentage, 59,809 yards, 377 touchdowns, and 188 interceptions, having played in 222 regular-season games (all starts) in his career with the Detroit Lions (2009-20) and Rams.
The Rams' season opener is scheduled against the Houston Texans, and Stafford's participation in the game will depend on his continued progress in practice. The NFL Network reported on Stafford's back injury, and the back injury has led him to be considered week-to-week. The Rams are cautious about Stafford's return, as his history of serious injuries, including multiple back issues over the past several years and major surgeries in recent seasons, is a concern.
Stafford played college football at Georgia and was selected with the first overall pick of the 2009 NFL Draft. He led the Rams to a win in Super Bowl LVI, defeating the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20. Despite his injuries, Stafford is still in the plan to play in the Rams' season opener against the Houston Texans on Sept. 7 in Inglewood, Calif. The Rams are hopeful that Stafford will be able to regain his form and lead the team to another successful season.
- Matthew Stafford, who was selected with the first overall pick of the 2009 NFL Draft and played college football at Georgia, is recovering from a back injury and is expected to return to practice this week.
- The Los Angeles Rams have been cautious about Stafford's return, considering his history of serious injuries, including multiple back issues and major surgeries in recent seasons.
- Stafford, the quarterback for the Rams, played all 16 games he started in the 2024 season, throwing for 3,762 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions.
- With Stafford's continued progress in practice, he may participate in the season opener against the Houston Texans, scheduled for September 7.
- If Stafford is not fully ready, the Rams have backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who has extensive starting experience.
- Stafford led the Rams to a win in Super Bowl LVI, defeating the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20, adding a Super Bowl championship to his impressive career statistics.
- The Rams are hopeful that Stafford will be able to regain his form and lead the team to another successful season in American football.
