Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (back) is expected to start in Week 1 this Sunday against the Houston Texans, according to head coach Sean McVay. An aggravated disc in Stafford's back caused him to miss most of training camp this summer, but he practiced in full last week and has been on track to play in the regular-season opener for a few weeks now. With that said, the 37-year-old veteran signal-caller may not be 100 percent early on and could be on the injury report during the week more often than not this year as the Rams try to keep him healthy for a full season. Stafford proved at the end of last year that he still has what it takes to lead the team deep into the postseason, but for fantasy purposes, he's a risky, low-end QB2 target because of injury concerns. In single-QB, 12-team leagues, Stafford will likely begin on the waiver wire.
Sep 1, 2025 4:32 PM EST
According to Sarah Barhop of ESPN, Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (back) was seen participating in 11-on-11s during Monday's practice session. This is an excellent sign as the veteran quarterback has been dealing with a lingering back injury throughout most of training camp. Seeing Stafford continue to participate in full during the team's practice sessions suggests the 37-year-old may not be in danger of missing time during the regular season. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status in case he faces a setback. Last season, Stafford had a bit of a down season, throwing for just 3,762 yards and 20 scores. If Stafford were to face a setback and miss time in the regular season, Jimmy Garoppolo would slot in as the team's QB1.
Aug 25, 2025 2:36 PM EST
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay said that quarterback Matthew Stafford (back) has been a full participant at practice all week. When asked how Stafford has looked the last few days, McVay said, "He's looked like the stud we know." However, Stafford will not travel with the team to Cleveland for their preseason finale against the Browns on Saturday. The 37-year-old veteran has now practiced four straight days without restrictions and appears to be on track to be ready for the Week 1 regular-season opener on Sunday, Sept. 7, against the Houston Texans. He may not be 100% to begin the season, but it's good news for receivers Puka Nacua and Davonte Adams that Stafford should be on the field in Week 1. Expect Stafford to be limited early in the practice week next week. For fantasy purposes, he has become a low-end QB2 with injury risk.
Aug 21, 2025 5:13 PM EST
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (back) is practicing again on Tuesday, according to Adam Grosbard of the Los Angeles Daily News. Stafford practiced for the first time at training camp this summer on Monday after recovering from an aggravated disc in his back. The 37-year-old was extremely limited and made only around 20 throws on Monday as the Rams ease him back in. Head coach Sean McVay said Stafford's workload is "a very fluid situation and demands flexibility." He almost certainly won't play in the preseason finale this Saturday against the Cleveland Browns, but the plan is to have him "upright" for the Week 1 regular-season opener on Sept. 7 against the Houston Texans. The Rams have been optimistic all along that Stafford will be ready for Week 1, although it sounds like he may not be 100%, making him an even riskier low-end QB2 selection in superflex fantasy leagues.
Aug 19, 2025 1:30 PM EST
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (back) has returned to practice on Monday at training camp, according to Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team. The Rams never provided an update on Stafford's scheduled workout on Saturday before their second preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers, but apparently it went well, and the 37-year-old is practicing for the first time this summer after aggravating a disc issue in his back. Stafford will most likely be limited on Monday, though, and there's no timetable for when he might be a full-go. The Rams have remained optimistic that Stafford will be ready for the Week 1 regular-season opener. If he's not ready, Jimmy Garoppolo will start under center to begin the year. Stafford showed late last year that he can still take the Rams deep into the playoffs, but for fantasy purposes, he's a big injury risk as a low-end QB2.
Aug 18, 2025 12:51 PM EST
The Los Angeles Rams declined to comment on reports of quarterback Matthew Stafford's (back) possible workout Saturday morning. Stafford has been absent from training camp practices all summer due to disc aggravation in his back and has yet to appear in preseason action, leaving questions about his readiness for Week 1. Head coach Sean McVay is expected to provide clarity when he meets with the media Monday. Stetson Bennett IV started Saturday's preseason game against the Chargers in Stafford's place. The veteran remains the unquestioned starter when healthy, but at this stage of his career, he is best viewed as a two-quarterback or superflex-league option only.
Aug 16, 2025 8:07 PM EST
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (back) will have another workout this Saturday before the team's second preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Sofi Stadium, according to head coach Sean McVay. The workout will be similar to the one he had last Saturday, Aug. 9. "Hopefully [his back] responds a little bit better," McVay said. "We're trying to get our hands around this as well, so I don't really have much more information other than think we're trying some different things that are hopefully going to be in alignment with getting him back out on the field." The 37-year-old looked good in last Saturday's workout and was supposed to practice for the first time on Monday, but that never happened. It sounds like his aggravated disc issue is more serious than previously though, although it's still unclear if it might affect his Week 1 availability. The longer he remains out of practice, though, the greater chances Stafford won't be ready for the regular-season opener.
Aug 14, 2025 4:31 PM EST
Sarah Barshop of ESPN says that Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (back) is not warming up with the other quarterbacks to start Tuesday's training camp practice. Stafford didn't have any limitations during a pre-game workout on Saturday before the preseason opener against the Dallas Cowboys and was expected to practice for the first time this summer on Monday. The Rams held the 37-year-old out on Monday, and it looks like Stafford is going to miss another practice as he deals with a disc aggravation in his back. The Rams are choosing to be "flexible and fluid" with Stafford, but the longer he goes without practicing, the more questions will arise as to whether he'll be 100% for the Week 1 regular-season opener. If for some reason Stafford's back injury lingers, Jimmy Garoppolo would run L.A.'s offense.
Aug 12, 2025 1:08 PM EST
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay told reporters that quarterback Matthew Stafford (back) did not practice on Monday because he didn't feel well enough leading up to the session. McVay also noted that the team will be "flexible and fluid" with the situation surrounding their franchise cornerstone, erring on the side of caution instead of rushing him back. It's a concerning development, but it's the correct play for LA if Stafford isn't fully healthy. The 37-year-old should be ready to go come the start of the regular season. However, for the time being, fantasy managers should be vigilant in considering which draft slot they select Rams' skill players. Any missed time by Stafford would dent the value of running back Kyren Williams and wide receivers Davante Adams and Puka Nacua.
Aug 11, 2025 3:15 PM EST
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (back) is in street clothes for Monday's training camp practice, even though the expectation was that he would return to practice to begin the week, according to Adam Grosbard of the Los Angeles Daily News. Stafford had no limitations during his workout on Saturday before the team's preseason opener against the Dallas Cowboys, and optimism was mounting that he would practice for the first time all summer on Monday. It doesn't appear to be the case, although Stafford could return any day now after being bothered by an aggravated disc in his back. When the 37-year-old veteran does get back on the field, it will likely be in individual drills at first. The Rams currently aren't worried that Stafford won't be ready for Week 1 of the regular season, but fantasy managers are getting more skeptical by the day.
Aug 11, 2025 12:51 PM EST
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (back) will return to training camp practice on Monday. Stafford has not practiced at all this summer and was held out of the preseason opener on Saturday night against the Dallas Cowboys. The 37-year-old has been dealing with an aggravated disc in his back, but he was able to make around 60 throws before Saturday's contest, according to head coach Sean McVay. Stafford will now have a little under four weeks to prepare for the 2025 regular season as L.A.'s starting QB. He had no limitations with what he could do during his workout on Saturday, but the Rams will probably play it safe with Stafford as much as possible in practices going forward. Stafford can still sling it with the best of them, but injury concerns alone will make him a low-end QB2, at best, in fantasy leagues.
Aug 10, 2025 1:58 PM EST
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay noted following the team's preseason win that quarterback Matthew Stafford (back) was not limited during his workout on Saturday. "Looking forward to progressing him back into practice on Monday," said McVay, who also reported Stafford looked "great." The 37-year-old veteran has been dealing with an aggravated disc in his back, but is progressing after an epidural and should rejoin the team following the weekend. It's excellent news for the Rams' signal-caller, who is entering his seventeenth professional season. While it's still a situation that bears observation, LA will likely be cautious while getting him back up to speed. Despite highly-touted -- and drafted -- Rams' skill players, fantasy managers can likely find better options than Stafford late in drafts.
Aug 10, 2025 12:13 AM EST
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (back) will have a workout on Saturday, and if all goes well, he will return to training camp practice on Monday, according to head coach Sean McVay. The head coach emphasized that if this were a game week, Stafford would be cleared to play. The 37-year-old veteran is dealing with an aggravated disc in his back and received an epidural injection to help with the pain. It's not exactly what you want to hear for a QB heading into the regular season, but the Rams don't seem to be very worried about Stafford's availability for Week 1. Although Stafford could return on Monday, he won't take part in joint practices with the Chargers next week. Stafford showed late last year that he still has what it takes to succeed at a high level, but for fantasy purposes, he's no more than a low-end QB2 that is a big injury risk.
Aug 7, 2025 4:05 PM EST
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (back) is dealing with an aggravated disc. The veteran has received an epidural to help him deal with it. Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network noted that while the team is remaining cautious with him during camp, he remains on track to be ready to play in Week 1 of the regular season. Fantasy managers should continue to keep a close eye on his status during the preseason in case he faces a setback. For the time being, Jimmy Garoppolo is slated to continue to take first-team reps during camp. Last season, Stafford had a bit of a down year as his top two wideouts, Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp, both missed time. He threw for just 3,762 yards and 20 scores. However, with Davante Adams joining Nacua, Stafford is worth a look as a high-upside QB2 in all leagues.
Aug 6, 2025 10:16 AM EST
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (back) has missed most of training camp while dealing with a back issue. While this has caused some concern related to the veteran's availability in Week 1, head coach Sean McVay had positive news on Tuesday. McVay told reporters that Stafford is "feeling good" and "making good progress," while going on to say, "We've been able to kind of increase some things behind the scenes." Stafford is unlikely to see much work throughout the remainder of training camp, but he is likely to be under center when the Rams open the regular season against the Houston Texans. He can be treated as a low-end QB2 from a fantasy perspective.
Aug 6, 2025 7:49 AM EST
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (back) still has yet to practice for the Rams this preseason, but the team seems to be managing his workload carefully. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, "This sounds more like a maintenance issue ... and they feel like if there were a game today, Stafford would be able to play ... it doesn't sound overly alarming right now." Stafford's progress in camp will continue to be a key storyline to watch this preseason, but at this point, it doesn't look like it will be an issue that forces him to miss game time once the season starts. The Rams host the Texans in Week 1 on September 7, and if Stafford is surprisingly not ready, Jimmy Garoppolo would likely be the next option. Stetson Bennett IV and Dresser Winn are the other QB options on the Rams depth chart, who will get more work in camp and preseason while Stafford is out.
Aug 5, 2025 10:35 AM EST
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (back) will not participate in a jog-through and will focus on static throwing, treadmill running, and core exercises on Monday, according to Rams head coach Sean McVay. "It's static throwing," said McVay about Stafford's workout on Monday. The 37-year-old has been sidelined from training camp due to back soreness, which McVay says is a precaution. His absence from team activities raises concerns because it disrupts his ability to develop chemistry with his pass catchers, especially new wide receiver Davante Adams. Last season, Stafford threw for 3,762 yards, 20 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. Fantasy managers should closely watch his back issue, as it could affect his availability and performance at the start of the season.
Aug 3, 2025 11:19 PM EST
According to Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay, quarterback Matthew Stafford (back) visited Dr. Robert Watkins, a back specialist, on Saturday. The veteran is considered week-to-week, with the team remaining optimistic he'll be ready to go for Week 1. However, the latest report adds some doubt, especially since this is Stafford's second appointment with Dr. Watkins in the last two weeks. Stafford threw 41 touchdowns in his first season with the Rams back in 2021. Yet, his production has dipped ever since, with the signal-caller most recently tossing only 20 touchdowns to finish the 2024 campaign. Stafford's fantasy value has mirrored his statistical regression. Still, he's a step or two above Jimmy Garoppolo, who may find himself moving to the top of the depth chart. With that in mind, Garoppolo's presence likely wouldn't be an ideal scenario for Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, two wideouts who have provided plenty of fantasy production over the years.
Aug 2, 2025 10:47 PM EST
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (back) is week-to-week with a back injury, but head coach Sean McVay said he is "very confident" the veteran will be ready for the Week 1 matchup with the Houston Texans. McVay originally said the 37-year-old will miss just one week of practice, but that turned out not to be the case. "At this point, there is a plan in place, but what I don't want to do is give you guys a date," McVay said. "If that does change, then there's assumptions that I imagine I would have if I was in your guys' shoes that can lead you to think something's really up. We are week-to-week with him." Stafford has appeared in 57 of the possible 68 games since joining the organization, but he isn't getting any younger, and it's fair to be concerned about his status heading into the new campaign. Should Stafford miss any action in 2025, Jimmy Garoppolo would presumably start in his place. There are worse backup quarterbacks than Jimmy G, but the overall ceiling of the offense would be dramatically impacted. Those considering drafting Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, Tyler Higbee, Kyren Williams, or other Rams' offensive weapons should continue to follow along with updates on the former No. 1 overall pick.
Jul 30, 2025 3:17 PM EST
According to Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay, quarterback Matthew Stafford (back) won't practice next week. Fortunately, the signal-caller didn't suffer a setback. Still, with McVay indicating that the team "will take it a week at a time," the uncertainty surrounding Stafford's return date won't sit well with fantasy managers. He appeared in 16 games for the Rams last season, throwing for 3,762 yards, 20 touchdowns, and eight picks while completing 65.8% of his attempts. Despite Stafford's age, he continues to play at an acceptable level, making him a viable starting option in Superflex formats. The hope is he'll be available for Week 1. However, if the 37-year-old isn't ready to go when the Rams host the Texans on September 7, Jimmy Garoppolo or Stetson Bennett will presumably be under center. Either quarterback would be a step down from Stafford, which wouldn't be ideal for Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. For now, Stafford should be considered week-to-week.
Jul 26, 2025 7:25 PM EST
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