Superstar LA Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is suffering with an aggravated disc in his back and will be ‘week-to-week’ ahead of the new NFL season, a worrying new report has revealed.
Much of the team’s hopes rest on the shoulders of their 37-year-old quarterback, who missed the start of training camp with what was initially described as a ‘recurring issue’.
Now, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport has revealed the full extent of the injury – including what Stafford is doing on a daily basis to help deal with the pain.
On X, he wrote: ‘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.’
Earlier this week, the Super Bowl champion and two-time Pro Bowler visited a back specialist for further advice, and he is still yet to practice with his teammates.
Matthew Stafford (right) chats to back-up quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo in Tuesday’s practice
The 37-year-old has yet to suit up during training camp and does not look likely to do so soon
Head coach Sean McVay revealed on Sunday that his star quarterback is ‘static throwing’, adding: ‘It’s some of the unloaded running on the treadmill. Sometimes it might even be walking. Cardio and core.’
Stafford will be entering his 17th NFL season whenever he takes the field, but he appears to be in far-from-ideal health just a few weeks out from Week 1.
Last season, he led the Rams to a Divisional round appearance, where he and his teammates fell to the eventual Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles.
Backup Jimmy Garoppolo has been running 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.
Stafford, pictured with coach Sean McVay, is still dealing with an aggravated disc in his back
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.
‘It does not worry me,’ McVay added last week. ‘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.’
