Major Matthew Stafford injury development revealed as Rams QB's Week 1 status comes into focus
The 37-year-old is dealing with an aggravated disc in his back and has received an epidural to help with the issue, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
The Rams reportedly believe that Stafford will be ready to go when Week 1 of the 2025 season rolls around in a month, with Los Angeles hosting the Texans.
Advertisement
3 Rams Quarterback Matthew Stafford.
AP
But how ready will he be is the real question.
Stafford has not yet practiced with his offense during training camp as he has been sidelined with his injury.
Advertisement
Even if Stafford is healthy enough to play at home against the Texans on Sept. 7, Stafford might not be totally in sync, especially in a new-look offense that lost Cooper Kupp and added Davante Adams.
Jimmy Garoppolo is Stafford's backup.
3 Matthew Stafford playing against the Jets in 2024.
Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
The Rams could be reaching the end of their window to compete for another Super Bowl after Stafford led them to the Lombardi Trophy in 2022.
Advertisement
They came close to ousting the Eagles in snowy Philadelphia in the divisional round last season but fell short to the eventual Super Bowl champs.
3 Jimmy Garoppolo at training camp.
AP
There was some questions regarding whether Stafford would return to the Rams as he sought a new deal, and there was a brief flirtation with the Giants, but the two sides struck a deal that will pay him $44 million this season, and another $40 million if he's on the roster next season.
Stafford had a solid year in 2024, throwing for 3,762 yards with 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions.
Advertisement
Adams arrives after his reunion with Aaron Rodgers on the Jets failed, while Kupp left to sign with the Seahawks.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
20 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Jared Verse exits practice early after bumping knees
The Rams have an injury concern with one of their best defensive players. Via multiple reporters, head coach Sean McVay said in his press conference that edge rusher Jared Verse departed Thursday's practice early after bumping knees with teammate Braden Fiske. McVay added that he wasn't sure of the severity of Verse's injury. But Verse was down for a bit before he was helped off the field and did not return. The No. 19 overall pick of last year's draft, Verse was named the AP defensive rookie of the year after registering 4.5 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, and 18 quarterback hits in his first season with the Rams. He then recorded 2.0 sacks, three tackles for loss, and a fumble returned for a touchdown in a pair of postseason games. Verse earned his first Pro Bowl berth as a rookie as well. Additionally, McVay noted guard Kevin Dotson suffered a chest contusion in Tuesday's joint practice, but should be able to return to practice soon.
Yahoo
20 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Matthew Stafford will work out Saturday, could practice for Rams next week
Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, who has been sidelined because of a back issue, will work out for the first time Saturday before the Rams play the Dallas Cowboys at SoFi Stadium, coach Sean McVay said Thursday. Stafford, 37, is dealing with an aggravated disc, and recently received an epidural for the condition, McVay said, confirming what was first reported by NFL Media. 'Part of getting the epidural was part of the plan,' set up by spine specialist Dr. Robert Watkins, McVay said, adding that Saturday's workout was 'on par with the schedule that we always had.' Read more: Kyren Williams agrees to a three-year contract extension with the Rams McVay said Stafford would practice next week, though he will not participate in a joint practice with the Chargers. 'And then you'll just continue to see his workload increase as long as he's feeling good,' McVay said. "If this was in-season he would be playing right now." Etc. Edge rusher Jared Verse left the field assisted by trainers after what McVay said was an incident in which he bumped knees with lineman Braden Fiske. Read more: AI can't be stopped! Ammonia inhalants, a.k.a. smelling salts, are not banned by the NFL after all Get the best, most interesting and strangest stories of the day from the L.A. sports scene and beyond from our newsletter The Sports Report. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Yahoo
20 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Texans DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson carted off field on final day at The Greenbrier
The Houston Texans are holding their breath, hoping for news surrounding C.J. Gardner-Johnson to be timid at best. During a scrimmage at The Greenbrier in West Virginia, Gardner-Johnson went to tackle wide receiver John Metchie III. After making contact, Gardner-Johnson fell to the ground, writhing in pain and unable to put any pressure on his right leg. The medical staff eventually helped the defensive back get on the cart, where he was taken back for MRIs. Entering their preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings, Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said the team did not have an update on his long-term status. "It's heartbreaking when you see a guy go down on the field like that and doesn't get up quicker," Texans coach Ryans said after practice. "I'm always nervous as a head coach anytime I see anybody hit the ground. It's tough to watch. So we'll see, we'll evaluate C.J. and see where he is, but no update at this time." Acquired in a deal from the defending Super Bowl Champions this offseason in exchange for Keynon Green and a 2026 fifth-round pick, Gardner-Johnson was supposed to replace their 2024 starting safety Eric Murray, who joined the Jacksonville Jaguars on a three-year, $22.5 million deal this offseason. Last year as a focal point on the Eagles' secondary, he totaled 59 combined tackles, 12 passes defended and six interceptions en route to securing a second Lombardi Trophy in the last 10 seasons. The loss of Gardner-Johnson could be detrimental to an elite secondary that was looking for a long-term upgrade at safety to pair with All-Pro cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., cornerback Kamari Lassiter, safety Calen Bullock and nickel Jalen Pitre. Last season, the Texans posted the second-most interceptions in the NFL with 19, so adding Gardner-Johnson's 18 career interceptions was supposed to fit well. Now, the Texans wait to see who could be next in line to start with Jimmie Ward still on the PUP list. Rookie Jaylen Reed was making progress, but he's missed the past several practices after leaving last Friday with a lower-body injury at training camp in Houston. For now, the Texans will turn to M.J. Stewart and Russ Yeast as options for Saturday's contest at U.S. Bank Stadium. This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson carted off with apparent leg injury
