Latest news with #Stafford
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
NFL training camp tour 2025: From Cowboys to Bengals, check out our stories from the road
NFL training camps are finally open leaguewide, and Yahoo Sports senior NFL reporters Charles Robinson and Jori Epstein are taking their annual camp tours. Over the next few weeks, each will be visiting with different teams and hitting the biggest stories. We're collecting them all right here, ordered from most recent on down. An Arch Manning succession target for the Rams is very realistic with Matthew Stafford's clock ticking (July 24) LOS ANGELES — Realistically, everyone believes – including inside the Rams – that Matthew Stafford is deeply into the sunset portion of his NFL career. So much so, there's a feeling inside the franchise that if the Rams win the Super Bowl this season, Stafford is going to use that opportunity to retire, a la John Elway with the Denver Broncos in 1999, after he'd secured the second Super Bowl title that would ensure he was a first-ballot Hall of Famer. According to a team source, even Stafford himself has joked with staff that the Rams' acquisition of a second first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft from the Atlanta Falcons is a sign that L.A.'s brass expects him to hang it up after the 2025 season. But does that mean the Rams are also exploring Stafford replacements? [Join or create a Yahoo Fantasy Football league for the 2025 NFL season] It's a complicated question. First and foremost, Stafford is still operating inside a Super Bowl window open for the Rams. The leadership both in the coaching staff and front office is steadfast in his ability — if fully healthy — to lead Los Angeles to one more title in the next two seasons. That said, it's clear there is a fixed vantage on the horizon, with Rams decision-makers knowing the next offseason is where they have to start moving toward a succession plan. Most likely toward a very young player who can grow with Sean McVay and spend an elongated period attached at the hip. One prominent name that surfaces inside this ideology is Texas quarterback Arch Manning. — Charles Robinson As Bengals open training camp without Trey Hendrickson and Shemar Stewart, Ja'Marr Chase sees 'a lot of feelings involved' (July 23) CINCINNATI — The Bengals' contract dispute with Hendrickson is within the realm of standard contract disagreements. Hendrickson is coming off consecutive 17.5-sack seasons, leading the league in sacks last year even as he turned 30 in December. Club and player agree that Hendrickson has earned a raise from the $16 million cash payout he's due on the final year of his existing deal. The value of that deal is trickier, particularly for a franchise that has long resisted multi-year guarantees. The Bengals broke that trend with Burrow and again gave multiyear guarantees to receiver Ja'Marr Chase this spring. Quarterbacks tend to encounter different extension parameters, so Chase's deal is more relevant to Hendrickson's case. Hendrickson and his camp will argue: Did you see those league-best 35 sacks in two years? The Bengals, meanwhile, will argue that Chase, 25, is the best at his position in the prime of his career … and even as they value Hendrickson, they don't consider him in his prime age nor the best at his position. Chase diagnosed the acrimony a year after his own training camp hold-in. 'It was a lot of feelings involved, even though it's not supposed to be involved,' Chase told Yahoo Sports on Wednesday. 'I feel like feelings are definitely involved when they're giving away their money.' — Jori Epstein Is Jared Goff underrated? Lions embracing their 'not too flashy' QB as offense shifts out of Ben Johnson's hands (July 22) ALLEN PARK, Mich. — Amon-Ra St. Brown understands the public perception. The wide receiver doesn't agree with it, but he doesn't expect it to change. Jared Goff, the 2016 first overall draft pick whom the Los Angeles Rams would later trade to the Detroit Lions, is underrated. St. Brown believes it. 'I think he's been underrated his whole career and I don't think that'll ever go away,' St. Brown told Yahoo Sports from training camp practice. 'You look at a guy like Josh Allen: He's big, can run, crazy arm strength. You look at a guy like Lamar [Jackson]: fast, one of the best running quarterbacks you've ever seen, does stuff on the field that only he can do. 'You look at Patrick Mahomes: His arm angles, the throws he makes, just unconventional, his ability to win big games.' And Goff? 'You look at a guy like Jared, I mean he's not too flashy,' St. Brown says of his quarterback. 'But he's consistent.' — Jori Epstein Cowboys training camp fight? Owner Jerry Jones opens up by taking jabs at Micah Parsons, Dak Prescott and others (July 21) OXNARD, Calif. — At 11:04 a.m. Pacific Time and beneath an uncharacteristically cloudy Southern California sky, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones gradually ambled down a corridor toward his annual training camp-opening microphone. Trailed by parts of the team's brain trust — including his son Stephen and new head coach Brian Schottenheimer — Jerry walked his long, straight path toward the dais until the journey to his seat necessitated a left turn. And boy did he ever take it. In what struck a chord as one of the more strained and seemingly unnecessary laundry list of sideways comments about several of his core players, Jerry took an unquestionably hard left turn to start a season — taking a sliding scale of passive-aggressive digs at edge defender Micah Parsons, quarterback Dak Prescott, cornerback Trevon Diggs and offensive tackle Terence Steele. Along the way, Jerry and son Stephen also revealed that neither has spoken to Parsons' agent David Mulugheta about a contract extension, with Jerry at several points seeming to suggest he had already worked out a deal directly with his star edge rusher during a face-to-face meeting last March. — Charles Robinson 'Don't act like we're bringing in a scrub': Why Lions believe they'll rebound from brain drain (July 21) ALLEN PARK, Mich. — Success, rather than complacency, was the demise of the 2024 Detroit Lions. The Chicago Bears hired Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as their head coach while the New York Jets hired defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn to lead their franchise. Early in the summer, the Lions also lost four-time Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow to retirement. No one disputes the talent and foundation each of the three brought the club, or the work it will take to replace them. But the think tank mentality means the Lions aren't starting from scratch building new schemes and playbooks to match their play-callers. The play-callers aren't starting from scratch, either. 'It's not like we're going from Ben and AG to some coaches that don't know anything,' wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown told Yahoo Sports. 'Don't act like we're bringing in a scrub. 'These coaches know ball.' — Jori Epstein Mike Williams' abrupt retirement has Chargers searching for a wideout to fill a big hole (July 20) EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — A week into the Los Angeles Chargers' training camp, an unexpected hole has quickly become a coaching staff and front office focal point. It's a void that measures 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, was previously inhabited by veteran wideout Mike Williams, and now needs a sizable presence to step into an opportunity. That was the primary takeaway after visiting Chargers camp Saturday, just days after Williams abruptly retired on the first day of practice and pushed the franchise to start mulling limited options. It's a roster concern that exacerbates an early — but somewhat typical — camp theme for many teams: The defense is ahead of the offense; the installation process is just now getting traction; and conversations are intensifying behind closed doors about roster questions that will need to be answered from inside the current depth chart or supplemented with an outside addition. For the Chargers, nothing represents that reality more than the starting 'X' receiver spot, which not only lost Williams' prototypical size and strength at the position, but also his baked-in chemistry with quarterback Justin Herbert, whom Williams played with from 2020 to 2023. All of that drove Los Angeles to reunite with Williams in free agency last March, bringing some important depth and options to the position alongside rising young star Ladd McConkey. Unfortunately, with Williams battling lingering health issues from the spring, the reliable free-agent signing ended up being the least reliable development in the first week of camp. So what now? — Charles Robinson
Los Angeles Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- Los Angeles Times
Rams open training camp: Analyzing their biggest concerns
Sean McVay has led the Rams to two Super Bowl appearances, one championship and six playoff appearances. Now, as he prepares for his ninth season, the 39-year-old coach once again has a team regarded as a legitimate Super Bowl contender. The roster includes experience — quarterback Matthew Stafford is entering his 17th season — and young stars such as receiver Puka Nacua and edge rusher Jared Verse, the 2024 NFL defensive rookie of the year. 'I love the natural, just zest and the joy that this group has,' McVay said this week as players reported for training camp at Loyola Marymount. After Stafford and the Rams agreed to terms on a contract adjustment last spring, general manager Les Snead provided McVay and Stafford with a bonus of sorts by signing receiver Davante Adams. The three-time All-Pro joins Nacua, receiver Tutu Atwell, running back Kyren Williams and tight ends Tyler Higbee and Terrance Ferguson to give the offense multiple weapons. Snead also signed center Coleman Shelton — a member of the Rams' Super Bowl LVI championship team — and defensive lineman Poona Ford. Ford will bolster a front that includes Verse, edge rusher Byron Young and tackles Kobie Turner and Braden Fiske, among others. 'We are stacked,' Williams said. Which is not to say that McVay, Snead and the Rams do not have concerns. Here are five issues to watch as the Rams prepare for their Sept. 7 opener against the Houston Texans: Stafford, 37, will not participate in team drills during the first week of workouts because of back soreness. According to McVay: No big deal. And it might not be. Yet any time the most important player on the team is sidelined, it cannot be passed off as a non-issue, especially if the problem persists. Stafford is already among the top 10 all-time in several NFL career passing categories, and he needs only 191 yards passing to reach 60,000. Veteran backup Jimmy Garoppolo will take first-team reps during the first week of practices. In March, the Rams awarded left tackle Alaric Jackson a three-year contract that includes $35 million in guarantees. Three months later, McVay announced that Jackson was dealing with blood-clot issues in his legs for the second time in his career. The Rams quickly signed veteran D.J. Humphries to fill the void. Jackson reported to training camp, but McVay gave no timeline for when he might be cleared to fully participate or play. Humphries, 31, made the Pro Bowl with the Arizona Cardinals in 2021, but he suffered a major knee injury near the end of the 2023 season. In 2024, Humphries signed with the Kansas City Chiefs but played in only two games. Right tackle Rob Havenstein, 33, had surgery on both shoulders after last season. The 10-year veteran said he would not be limited during camp. Third-year pro Warren McClendon Jr. and veteran David Quessenberry are other tackles on the roster. With an improving pass rush led by Verse, the Rams stood pat during free agency and the draft, deciding not to add a cornerback. Darious Williams, 32, and Ahkello Witherspoon, 30, are the projected starters with Cobie Durant and Emmanuel Forbes Jr. expected to play large roles for a position group that also includes Derion Kendrick and Josh Wallace, among others. The Rams believe Forbes, a 2023 first-round pick by the Washington Commanders, has taken a major leap since they claimed him off waivers last December. The Rams are hoping to avoid the disaster that was last year's training camp: Kendrick suffered a season-ending knee injury during the first workout, Williams a significant hamstring injury during the second. Williams is scheduled to earn $5.4 million this season in the final year of his rookie contract, according to The Rams and Drew Rosenhaus, Williams' agent, negotiated throughout the offseason, and they were scheduled to meet again Wednesday, McVay said. Williams has rushed for at least 1,100 yards in each of the last two seasons and scored 31 touchdowns in that span. The Rams would like to keep him beyond this season, but at what price? The Rams have not signed a running back to an extension since they awarded Todd Gurley a then-record deal in 2018. Ferguson, a second-round draft pick from Oregon, is expected to play a major role and eventually supplant Higbee. Josaiah Stewart will work into the edge rushing rotation with Verse and Young. Running back Jarquez Hunter and Blake Corum will back up Williams, Ty Hamilton could bolster the defensive line, and linebacker Chris 'Pooh' Paul Jr. and receiver Konata Mumpfield will compete for roles in their position groups and special teams.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
QB Matthew Stafford to start Rams training camp on sidelines to recover from back soreness
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Quarterback Matthew Stafford will begin the Los Angeles Rams' training camp on the sidelines while recovering from back soreness. HT Image Stafford is only expected to miss the first 'block' of roughly four practices in training camp, coach Sean McVay said Tuesday as the Rams reported to work at Loyola Marymount University. 'He had a little bit of soreness in his back that kind of crept up,' McVay said. 'He's been throwing, feeling good. It's not anything that's necessarily new. It's something that he's dealt with before.' McVay already had a plan in place to limit Stafford's overall work in training camp, and the back soreness will push his camp debut back to next week at the earliest. The 10th-leading passer in NFL history was already expected to sit out occasional practices as he ramps up for his 17th season, and McVay traditionally does not use any key players in the preseason. The 37-year-old Stafford is beginning his fifth season with the Rams, who acquired him from Detroit in 2021 and immediately won the Super Bowl in February 2022. McVay said Stafford is expected to return to the field after the five-day 'acclimation period' to begin camp. Backup Jimmy Garoppolo will run the Rams' offense in the early practices. 'Ultimately, it's about having him feel as good as possible going into Year 17,' McVay said. 'And that's where you do feel good about having a guy like Jimmy to step in and do a great job for the first few practices, and then Matthew will be ready to roll.' Stafford is playing this season with a substantial raise after a second straight offseason of financial discontent. This dispute was resolved more quickly than last year's standoff, and Stafford participated in the Rams' offseason workout programs to begin forming a bond with new receiver Davante Adams. 'If he was a first-year player, I think you'd say, 'Man, every rep really matters,'' McVay said. 'I think the important thing is having a big-picture perspective with a guy going into Year 17, based on this being something that he's had before and dealt with through different parts of his career. He's so in tune with his body, and talking with him, I feel really good.' McVay also expressed optimism about Alaric Jackson while outlining the Rams' recovery plan for their starting left tackle. Jackson had a reoccurrence of blood clots in his lower leg during the offseason, shortly after he agreed to a three-year, $57 million deal to stay with the Rams. Jackson will not go on a restricted list to start training camp, but will do individual workouts while ramping up deliberately to full strength. McVay didn't want to guarantee that Jackson will be ready for the start of the season, but the Rams are optimistic. 'I do feel good about the plan we have in place that hopefully leads to him being able to go out and compete with his teammates,' McVay said. 'I know he's really feeling good. He's handled this like a total stud. ... He's got a lot of people that love him that are with him on this journey.' Los Angeles signed veteran offensive tackle D.J. Humphries in June as a backup plan if Jackson has any delays in his progress. ___ AP NFL:
Time of India
3 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Matthew Stafford sits out start of Los Angeles Rams training camp with back issue — Sean McVay not worried
Photo byThe Los Angeles Rams opened 2025 training camp in Thousand Oaks this week without their longtime quarterback under center. Matthew Stafford, now entering his 17th NFL season and fifth with the Rams, is dealing with back soreness—a recurring issue that has prompted a precautionary pause. Instead of participating in drills, Stafford is working off to the side, part of a deliberately modified schedule the team hopes will extend his durability through the regular season. While fans might flinch at the word 'back,' head coach Sean McVay isn't sounding any alarms—he's doubling down on experience and patience. Los Angeles Rams take no chances as Jimmy Garoppolo steps in and Matthew Stafford rests to manage back soreness Speaking to reporters at camp on Monday, July 22, Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay explained the logic behind Stafford's absence from early training sessions. 'He's been throwing, feeling good. It's not anything that's necessarily new — something that he's dealt with before,' McVay said. Rather than push Matthew Stafford through discomfort, the team has scheduled a ramp-up period lasting the first five or so days of camp. 'Going into Year 17, we were going to take a modified approach with him, kind of similar to what we did in the offseason program,' McVay added. The Los Angeles Rams' approach reflects both Stafford's medical history and his deep command of the offense. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Up to 70% off | Shop Sale Libas Undo McVay emphasized that if this were a younger quarterback, the story might be different. 'If he was a first-year player, then I think you'd say, man, every rep really matters,' he said. 'But because of his ability to communicate to me, to [the training staff], I feel really good.' The Rams were already planning to rest Stafford every fourth day during camp, making this adjustment an extension of that long-view strategy. Jimmy Garoppolo takes the reins at Los Angeles Rams camp, but Matthew Stafford's hold on QB1 stays firm Until Stafford returns later in camp, Jimmy Garoppolo is taking first-team reps. Now in his second season with the Rams, Garoppolo offers security in a pinch and is expected to lead early practices while Stafford works individually. 'You do feel fortunate that you've got a guy like Jimmy that will step in and do a great job for the first few practices. And then Matthew will be ready to roll,' McVay said. Stafford, who turns 38 in February, threw for 3,762 yards with 20 touchdowns and 8 interceptions last season. The Rams rested him in Week 18 after clinching the NFC West—a move similar in tone to this one. 'He feels good about that, I feel good about that,' McVay said. 'Ultimately, it's about having him feel as good as possible — mentally, physically, emotionally — going into Year 17.' With Stafford sidelined to start camp, the Rams aren't sweating the optics—they're sticking to the plan. McVay's messaging is clear: this is about preserving their veteran leader, not replacing him. As the team builds toward Week 1, Stafford's rest today is part of ensuring he's ready tomorrow. Training camp may have started without its star quarterback under center, but the Rams are betting that patience in July pays off when it counts in September. Also Read: Russell Wilson won't save the New York Giants—but Brian Daboll is counting on him to fix them Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Hamilton Spectator
3 days ago
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
QB Matthew Stafford to start Rams training camp on sidelines to recover from back soreness
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Quarterback Matthew Stafford will begin the Los Angeles Rams' training camp on the sidelines while recovering from back soreness. Stafford is only expected to miss the first 'block' of roughly four practices in training camp, coach Sean McVay said Tuesday as the Rams reported to work at Loyola Marymount University. 'He had a little bit of soreness in his back that kind of crept up,' McVay said. 'He's been throwing, feeling good. It's not anything that's necessarily new. It's something that he's dealt with before.' McVay already had a plan in place to limit Stafford's overall work in training camp, and the back soreness will push his camp debut back to next week at the earliest. The 10th-leading passer in NFL history was already expected to sit out occasional practices as he ramps up for his 17th season, and McVay traditionally does not use any key players in the preseason. The 37-year-old Stafford is beginning his fifth season with the Rams, who acquired him from Detroit in 2021 and immediately won the Super Bowl in February 2022. McVay said Stafford is expected to return to the field after the five-day 'acclimation period' to begin camp. Backup Jimmy Garoppolo will run the Rams' offense in the early practices. 'Ultimately, it's about having him feel as good as possible going into Year 17,' McVay said. 'And that's where you do feel good about having a guy like Jimmy to step in and do a great job for the first few practices, and then Matthew will be ready to roll.' Stafford is playing this season with a substantial raise after a second straight offseason of financial discontent. This dispute was resolved more quickly than last year's standoff, and Stafford participated in the Rams' offseason workout programs to begin forming a bond with new receiver Davante Adams. 'If he was a first-year player, I think you'd say, 'Man, every rep really matters,'' McVay said. 'I think the important thing is having a big-picture perspective with a guy going into Year 17, based on this being something that he's had before and dealt with through different parts of his career. He's so in tune with his body, and talking with him, I feel really good.' McVay also expressed optimism about Alaric Jackson while outlining the Rams' recovery plan for their starting left tackle. Jackson had a reoccurrence of blood clots in his lower leg during the offseason, shortly after he agreed to a three-year, $57 million deal to stay with the Rams. Jackson will not go on a restricted list to start training camp, but will do individual workouts while ramping up deliberately to full strength. McVay didn't want to guarantee that Jackson will be ready for the start of the season, but the Rams are optimistic. 'I do feel good about the plan we have in place that hopefully leads to him being able to go out and compete with his teammates,' McVay said. 'I know he's really feeling good. He's handled this like a total stud. ... He's got a lot of people that love him that are with him on this journey.' Los Angeles signed veteran offensive tackle D.J. Humphries in June as a backup plan if Jackson has any delays in his progress. ___ AP NFL:
