Who Should I Start? Matthew Stafford or C.J. Stroud

Tuesday, August 12, 1:08 PM

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.

Wednesday, July 16, 2:47 PM

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud had a sophomore slump following his fantastic rookie season in 2023 out of Ohio State. After throwing for more than 4,100 yards, 23 touchdowns, and five interceptions in 15 games in Year 1, he regressed to just over 3,700 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 12 picks in Year 2. Entering 2025 in what could set him up for a lucrative contract extension, Stroud has trained hard to improve his physical fitness. "I've been working really hard on getting my body right -- losing body fat, trying to be faster, stronger," Stroud said. "And it went really well. ... [Working] pocket mobility, running out the pocket, throwing the rock. Everything kind of works hand in hand." Last season, Houston's offensive line struggled mightily, and Stroud was sacked 63 times, good for the second-most in the NFL behind only Caleb Williams (68). The offensive line could remain an issue after the team traded away franchise left tackle Laremy Tunsil, but sacks are often largely a quarterback stat, too. If Stroud can become more dynamic operating inside and outside of the pocket, it could create more downfield opportunities for pass-catchers Nico Collins, Christian Kirk, and Jayden Higgins, among others.