Rams' Matthew Stafford Practices on Video Amid Reported Back Injury Concerns

The Los Angeles Rams seemingly got good news on Monday as quarterback Matthew Stafford participated in practice:

This comes after ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Monday on First Take the Rams are increasingly wondering about Stafford's status for Week 1 against the Houston Texans, and his ongoing back trouble might be a issue throughout the season:

"They thought he was going to work out on Saturday. The fact that nobody confirmed it would tell you that in all probability he did not work out. Now, Sean McVay is going to address it today but here is where the organization is at as we speak, Matthew Stafford's doctors continue to insist that he's going to be ready for opening day against the Houston Texans despite the fact that he's dealing with the back injury, a disc issue and a lot of discomfort in his back at the age of 37. But he has not practiced yet this summer with the team.

"The regular-season opener is getting closer and closer. And while the doctors may not be concerned today about Matthew Stafford's availability for Week 1, I can tell you that the concern level within the Rams organization is rising a little bit with each day that passes that Matthew Stafford isn't back out there. Back pain doesn't go away, back pain stays. And Matthew Stafford is one of the toughest players that's out there. They can do things that mask that pain on game day. I'm sure he will, but the fact of the matter is this is a lingering issue that he likely is going to have to play with and through for the remainder of the 2025 season."

While there reportedly may be concern, Stafford was spotted in uniform at practice on Monday:

Stafford, 37, has dealt with injuries this offseason that kept him out for much of the team's training.

On the first day of the Rams' training camp on July 22, McVay said that Stafford would begin camp on the sideline as he was managing back soreness. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport later reported that Stafford had an aggravated disc and received an epidural to help him deal with it.

Despite Stafford having to miss some of training camp with the back injury, there was initially "zero panic from the Rams" about Stafford being available to start the season, according to Schefter.

Stafford ultimately returned to practice several weeks before Los Angeles' first game.

Though likely past his prime, Stafford has remained productive, throwing for 3,762 yards and 20 touchdowns last season, enough to lead the Rams to a 10-7 record and an appearance in the divisional round.

In the event Stafford is ruled out for the opener, Jimmy Garoppolo will take over as the starter. Garoppolo played just one game last year, but made the most of it, throwing for 334 yards and a pair of touchdowns in Los Angeles' season finale.

However, given Stafford's appearance on Monday, he may ultimately be able to take the field in Week 1.