Matthew Stafford Injury Reportedly Causing '0 Panic' for Rams, Expected to Play Week 1

While Matthew Stafford is dealing with a back injury and not practicing at training camp, the Los Angeles Rams reportedly expect him to take the field for their Week 1 game against the Houston Texans.

"My understanding is it's a total maintenance issue," ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Tuesday. "... They don't want to put any wear and tear on his body. He knows how the game works, he knows how the offense functions, he knows how his teammates think and operate. So they are intentionally keeping him out in interest of maintenance, self-preservation and just wise caution."

Schefter also said Stafford would play if Los Angeles had a game today, adding "that's why there is zero panic from the Rams."

The veteran's future was a topic of discussion at times this offseason, especially since he told reporters after last season's playoff loss to the Philadelphia Eagles he would "take some time" to contemplate retirement.

There was also some trade speculation, but Schefter reported in February the quarterback and team agreed to restructure his contract in a way that "quashes" the idea of him being on a different team in 2025.

He has once again been under the spotlight in the early days of training camp, although the latest report should ease the mind of any worried Rams fans.

Stafford and the team using extra caution at this stage of the calendar comes as anything but a surprise, as he is 37 years old and entering his 17th season. He has hundreds of games and far more practices under his belt, so a handful of missed training camp sessions likely won't impact his overall performance this season.

His overall health will impact his performance, though, and the Rams are clearly prioritizing that over additional practice time.

Stafford largely impressed last season and completed 65.8 percent of his passes for 3,762 yards, 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions while leading Los Angeles to the playoffs. And expectations are once again high in large part because of his presence under center.

Perhaps the biggest downside of the missed practice time is the missed opportunity to build further chemistry with the newly added Davante Adams. The NFC West team signed the six-time Pro Bowler this offseason, and he will be expected to make up for some of the lost production with Cooper Kupp now on the Seattle Seahawks.

Adams and Puka Nacua could be one of the best one-two punches in the league in 2025, and Stafford will surely want to get some practice time with the pair ahead of the season opener.

But Rams fans at least don't have to worry about whether he will be on the field for that game.