Matthew Stafford's Back Injury Reportedly Will Need to Be 'Managed' by Rams

The Los Angeles Rams are reportedly preparing as if quarterback Matthew Stafford's back injury is an issue that will have to be dealt with at various points during the 2025 NFL season.

According to ESPN's Dan Graziano, the Rams expect Stafford to be healthy and ready to go for Week 1, but given his history of back ailments, there is belief within the organization that the injury will have to be "monitored and managed" throughout the season.

Per ESPN's Sarah Barshop, Stafford was a full participant in practice last week for the first time during training camp after aggravating a disk in his back during the offseason.

Stafford seemed unconcerned when asked about managing the injury, saying, "This will be 17 years now [in the NFL]. There's soreness all over the place every time I wake up. But no, it's something that I'll manage, like I do a million other things throughout the year."

Rams head coach Sean McVay chimed in regarding Stafford's health as well, saying, "There's no restrictions and he's playing at a really high level."

Stafford, 37, is preparing to enter his fourth season with the Rams, and he is coming off his healthiest campaign since his debut season in L.A. in 2021.

The only game Stafford missed last season was a Week 18 contest when the Rams had already clinched a playoff spot, so he sat for rest purposes.

Stafford was limited to nine games in 2022 due primarily to a spinal cord contusion, and he missed a game in 2023 with a sprained UCL in his elbow.

Last season, Stafford didn't put up huge numbers, as his 3,762 passing yards and 20 touchdown passes were his fewest ever in a fully healthy season, but the Rams still went 10-7 and reached the playoffs for the third time in his four years with the team.

Stafford will largely have the same supporting cast as last season aside from veteran wide receiver Davante Adams, who replaces Cooper Kupp as the No. 2 wideout behind Puka Nacua.

With Nacua, Adams and running back Kyren Williams, Stafford has enough weapons to thrive in 2025 as long as he stays healthy or at least manages his back injury effectively.

While it remains to be seen if Stafford's back will hold up over the rigors of an entire season, it seems like all systems are go for the Rams' Week 1 game against the Houston Texans on Sept. 7.