The NFL preseason is underway with the regular season fast approaching. As fantasy football managers get ready for draft season, staying current on player injuries is more important than ever. Matthew Stafford is recovering from an aggravated disc in his back that has sidelined him throughout Rams training camp. Will he be healthy for Week 1, and how does his injury affect the fantasy landscape in Los Angeles?
Matthew Stafford Injury Update
Stafford has spent most of Rams training camp on the sidelines with an aggravated disc in his lower back. The 37-year-old quarterback first experienced discomfort in late July, which was later revealed to be significant enough to require an epidural injection. Stafford was held out of team practices, and Sean McVay never plays starters in preseason. Instead, the team focused on a tailored rehab plan under the supervision of the Rams’ medical staff.
The head coach offered optimism following the team’s preseason opener. He told reporters that Stafford participated in an extensive workout, throwing over 60 passes at the practice facility and showing no restrictions in the types of throws he could make. McVay added, “He looked good, threw the ball really well, deep and short, and felt really positive afterward.” The plan is for Stafford to join individual drills at practice starting Monday, though he will be monitored closely for any lingering pain.
The Rams remain cautious about exposing Stafford during preseason games, especially with his history of back problems. McVay emphasized that, if this were the regular season, Stafford would be able to play, but the team wants to give him every chance to enter Week 1 healthy.
Sean McVay says Matthew Stafford looked ‘awesome’ throwing 60+ passes today. Stafford will be brought back to practice Monday for individual work. McVay: ‘If this were the regular season, there’s no doubt he’d be out there.’ August 9, 2025
Medical staff have not indicated a setback, but back injuries and nerve issues like this must be managed carefully. Even a minor recurrence could jeopardize Stafford’s early-season availability. The Rams open at home against the Houston Texans on September 7, with backup Jimmy Garoppolo running first-team reps in Stafford’s absence.
Now, about that plan for Stafford to join individual drills on Monday…it didn’t happen.
QB Matthew Stafford is in street clothes and doesn’t appear to be practicing today. Sean McVay previously said the plan was for Stafford to participate individual drills today.
— Sarah Barshop (@sarahbarshop) August 11, 2025
Obviously, there is still plenty of time, and a guy like Stafford does not need the reps to be ready to go. At the same time, the vibes aren’t great. At some point, we need to see Stafford back on the practice field to assuage any concerns, of which there are many.
Matthew Stafford Fantasy Outlook
Drafting quarterbacks coming off a back injury always involves more risk than fantasy managers would like. Stafford’s age and the need for an epidural increase those concerns, but current signs point to him being on track for Week 1, provided there are no setbacks. His upside remains if healthy, but he goes so late in the drafts that he’s not an option in Single QB leagues.
The bigger fantasy impact falls on the Rams’ pass catchers and backfield. Puka Nacua is too talented to fail, but his overall WR1 upside is tied to the kingmaker (that’s Stafford).
New addition Davante Adams, acquired after Cooper Kupp departed for Seattle, is an elite target. But if Stafford is slowed early, Adams could experience a dip in production. Tight end Tyler Higbee, who has relied on Stafford’s accuracy in the middle of the field, is also at greater risk if Garoppolo takes extended snaps.
This throw by Matthew Stafford in the clutch was one of the best ever 💯 pic.twitter.com/vg55Z3PQiC
— Football’s Greatest Moments (@FBGreatMoments) August 2, 2025
Running back Kyren Williams, who just signed a three-year deal, should maintain his workload but may find the offense takes fewer risks if Stafford’s back becomes an issue again. He is also heavily reliant on volume and touchdowns, both of which will be harder to come by if Jimmy G. is leading the charge.
Monitor Stafford’s return to practice reports and seek out video or media observations throughout August. While he’s expected to be ready for Week 1, back injuries are notoriously unpredictable. Fantasy managers who draft soon need to take into account the risk of an in-season aggravation and factor it into their evaluation of Nacua and Adams.
