Matthew Stafford is not reporting to Los Angeles Rams training camp when originally thought, as the team’s head coach, Sean McVay, provided a further update on his star signal caller.
Stafford was believed to be reporting to training camp this week with a recurring neck issue finally being solved.
Yet, the timeline to see the 37-year-old in action has been moved back, while McVay says there has not been a decline in Stafford’s status.
‘The ultimate goal is Houston [for the season opener], and being mindful of that, so we’ll take it a week at a time with him,’ McVay said over the weekend.
Based on sitting down with [the team’s sports medicine and performance senior vice president] Reggie [Scott] and with Matthew and talking with Dr. [Robert] Watkins, we feel like that’s the smart thing to do. A week at a time with him.’
‘But I don’t have any more concerns. The goal in mind is Houston, and I do think this is the best plan for him.’
Matthew Stafford is not reporting to Los Angeles Rams training camp when originally thought
Super Bowl winner Stafford, 37, is preparing for his 17th season competing in the NFL
Backup Jimmy Garoppolo will run the Rams’ offense in the early practices, while the Rams also added quarterback Dresser Winn to the roster.
Stafford is playing this season with a substantial $44m raise after a second straight offseason of financial discontent.
This dispute was resolved more quickly than last year’s standoff, and Stafford participated in the Rams’ offseason workout programs to begin forming a bond with new receiver Davante Adams.
Stafford will eventually line up for his 17th straight season as a starting quarterback in the NFL, one of the longest streaks in the league.
The Rams star is only behind Aaron Rodgers as a guaranteed QB1 in 2025, with Kirk Cousins and Joe Flacco also looming as possibilities.
‘It does not worry me,’ McVay continued. ‘What I probably should have done is say we’re taking it a week at a time, but I don’t have any reason to be concerned based on the information that’s been given. With that being said, I don’t think we can be smart enough with somebody like Matthew’
‘I think it’s best for him and best for our football team. That’s kind of the plan we’ll have moving forward. I know that will surprise people, but I did want to at least let you guys know as we’re begin fluid with this. But we don’t have any reason for concern, but I do think it’s the smart thing just based on [getting him ready for the season opener] Sept. 7… with that being the main goal in mind.’
