There are two games left in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL preseason, and the Los Angeles Rams are one of four remaining teams to play. With the team facing the Dallas Cowboys, will Matthew Stafford be playing at all?
Is Matthew Stafford Playing vs. Cowboys?
Following a pair of joint practices with the Cowboys, it’s time for the live game to happen. However, Stafford and the Rams starters will not play in the game, or any preseason games for that matter.
A big reason for Stafford’s lack of preseason play is his injury history. Dating back to 2009, Stafford has missed games for various reasons. Recently, he dealt with elbow injuries in 2022 and hand and hip injuries in 2023.
As a result, second-year quarterback Stetson Bennett is expected to receive the majority of the reps, and Mike LaFleur will be calling plays in place of head coach Sean McVay. Bennett stepped away from the team in 2023 due to mental health issues but worked his way back and rejoined the team for offseason workouts. Jimmy Garoppolo and Dresser Winn will also get their fair share of reps during the three games.
In 2023, Stafford made the second Pro Bowl of his career and was key in leading the team to the postseason despite very low expectations entering the season. He passed for a 62.6% completion percentage, 3,965 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.
At 36 years old and turning 37 following the season, Stafford still hasn’t slowed down and is one of the better quarterbacks in the NFL. He has three years left on his deal and is set to be an unrestricted free agent in 2027 when he is 39. His cap hit, however, is $46 million in 2024, and that raises to $53 million in 2025 and 2026.
Chicago Bears No.1 draft pick quarterback Caleb Williams recently said Stafford is the second-best quarterback in the NFL.
“I mean, he’s unbelievable, like, there’s a couple plays where he’ll go play-action… he has the [linebacker] on a string, like he wants the backer to go here, and he’ll throw it right behind his head [with] the perfect touch, perfect velocity,” Williams said.
