The Los Angeles Rams’ quarterback state of affairs has been something however quiet this summer time. Matthew Stafford, who’s been the face of the staff’s offense since arriving in 2021, remains to be sidelined from full observe with a lingering again harm. The 37-year-old has missed the final two coaching camp periods, and head coach Sean McVay confirmed Thursday that the subsequent huge step will are available in a exercise set for Saturday.
“Hopefully [his back] responds just a little bit higher,”McVay advised Sarah Barshop of ESPN. It isn’t precisely a inexperienced gentle, but it surely’s an indication the Rams are nonetheless aiming for a Week 1 return.
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The Sluggish Construct Again
Stafford’s absence has been a speaking level since camp opened, and it is easy to see why. The veteran led the Rams to a Tremendous Bowl win in 2022 and has been a steadying pressure below middle at any time when wholesome. Final season, he threw for 3,762 yards, 20 touchdowns, and simply eight interceptions in 16 video games, guiding L.A. to the Divisional Spherical earlier than falling to the eventual champion Eagles.
The again hassle surfaced proper earlier than camp, and updates have been a combined bag. Simply final week, Stafford uncorked 68 passes in a exercise with out obvious restriction – a promising signal – however skipped the staff’s jog-throughs and scrimmages that adopted. In keeping with McVay, surgical procedure hasn’t been mentioned. The main focus stays on managing the harm with out extra invasive measures.
Saturday Exercise Might Outline Rams’ Quarterback Plan
This weekend’s session is not simply one other rehab checkpoint. It is the Rams’ likelihood to gauge whether or not Stafford’s again can deal with an everyday observe load in time for the September 7 opener towards Houston. McVay says the strategy is all about balancing readiness with danger. “There’s been lots of conversations about what’s the very best methodology of how we need to strategy it,” he defined.
Behind Stafford, the depth chart is already being examined. Jimmy Garoppolo is in line to begin if Stafford cannot go, with second-year QB Stetson Bennett exhibiting flashes in preseason play, together with a 188-yard, two-touchdown outing towards Dallas.
The Rams’ offensive outlook hinges closely on No. 9’s well being. This can be a staff that is constructed to contend within the NFC West, particularly after including star receiver Davante Adams within the offseason. But when Stafford’s availability lingers unsure, expectations may shift rapidly – from playoff push to only attempting to maintain tempo. Turf Present Occasions famous earlier this week that the tone from staff insiders has shifted from “he’ll be prepared” to “let’s wait and see,” reflecting a rising sense of warning.
For now, all eyes flip to Saturday. If Stafford appears to be like sharp and pain-free, the Rams’ offense can begin getting ready at full velocity. If not, the quarterback shuffle could formally start – and so will the questions on how far this roster can go with out its chief.
