The defending NFC West champion Los Angeles Rams invested resources this offseason to ensure they have one of the top offenses in the league. Los Angeles retained left tackle Alaric Jackson and signed three-time first-team All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams.
The Rams continued that investment in the 2025 NFL Draft by selecting tight end Terrance Ferguson in Round 2 and running back Jarquez Hunter in Round 4.
Training camp began on July 23 for the defending division champions. They’re preparing for what could be a close battle in the NFC West once again.
There’s one key piece that’s not on the field, though: quarterback Matthew Stafford.
The 37-year-old is entering his fifth year with the Rams but has missed training camp so far with back soreness. Los Angeles coach Sean McVay said Stafford will not return to practice this week as previously hoped. McVay said they’re taking a week-to-week approach to his recovery.
“We’ve got a good plan in place,” McVay said. “We are going to still take some more time with him, though. Nothing that’s changed in terms of the setback. I probably spoke a little bit too soon, but the ultimate goal is [Week 1 game against] Houston and being mindful of that. So we’ll take it a week at a time with him.’
Stafford didn’t participate but was in attendance at training camp this weekend.
How long will Stafford be out?
There’s no clear timetable for Stafford’s return to the field at training camp as the Rams are taking this week-to-week approach. McVay reiterated that there’s no ‘reason for concern’ as to why Stafford won’t be practicing.
Los Angeles’ preseason games start Aug. 9 against the Dallas Cowboys, but it was unlikely Stafford would play in that matchup even if fully healthy.
McVay will likely provide more updates in the coming days and into next week about Stafford’s availability.
Stafford missed just one game in 2024, the regular season finale against Seattle, to rest ahead of the playoffs. In 16 games (all starts), Stafford completed 340 of 517 passes for 3,762 yards, 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions.
The Rams went 10-7 during the regular season and advanced as far as the divisional round of the NFC playoffs, where they lost to the eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, 28-22.