Matthew Stafford’s back issues have Los Angeles Rams fans holding their breath, but the veteran quarterback’s latest injury appears more precautionary than problematic. With the 2025-26 season approaching fast, every practice rep matters for a team built around their franchise signal-caller’s arm.
How Serious Is Matthew Stafford’s Back Problem?
The good news keeps coming from Rams headquarters. Head coach Sean McVay provided a reassuring update on Stafford’s aggravated disk, confirming that the quarterback should return to full practice on Monday after sitting out recent sessions.
More importantly, McVay made it clear that this injury wouldn’t sideline Stafford if games mattered right now.
“We have taken a very cautious approach, but if we were playing a game this week, he would be playing in the game,” McVay said.
That statement should calm any lingering concerns about Stafford’s availability for Week 1. The Rams are simply being smart with their most important player, especially during preseason when the games don’t count toward playoff positioning.
Sources: #Rams QB Matthew Stafford is dealing with an aggravated disc and has received an epidural to help him deal with it.
Los Angeles has called him week-to-week, being cautious, but with plans for him to be ready for Week 1. pic.twitter.com/wpj0Uqghax
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 6, 2025
Saturday’s preseason matchup against the Dallas Cowboys will showcase Stetson Bennett IV under center instead, giving the backup quarterback valuable game experience. Kickoff at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET.
What Makes This Back Issue Different From Matthew Stafford’s Previous Injuries?
Stafford’s injury history includes a back contusion from 2022, but his current problem appears unrelated to those previous setbacks. This distinction matters for both his immediate recovery and long-term durability.
ESPN insider Dan Graziano offered additional context about the team’s careful approach, explaining that the Rams plan to keep Stafford out of their upcoming joint practice against the Los Angeles Chargers as well.
“They have a joint practice next week against the Chargers,” Graziano said. “They’ll hold him out of that because they just want to put him into as controlled an environment as possible. But this is what we’re keeping an eye on.”
“If Stafford feels good enough after tomorrow’s pregame workout to return to the practice field next week, that will tell us that the Rams’ plans for him, getting him ready for week one, is on track. He has a setback tomorrow or early next week? Then there will be reason for concern in LA.”
The timeline suggests this is more about managing Stafford’s workload than addressing a serious medical issue. Joint practices can be more physical and unpredictable than controlled team sessions, so keeping him out makes sense from a risk-management perspective.
Los Angeles will face the Chargers in their next preseason contest following the Cowboys meeting, followed by a matchup against the Cleveland Browns on August 23. Those games will provide better indicators of whether Stafford is truly ready for the regular season grind that lies ahead.
