Matthew Stafford will not be returning to training camp next week as previously expected, according to Rams head coach Sean McVay.
McVay told reporters Saturday that, despite not feeling Stafford experienced a setback, it would be “the smart thing to do a week at a time with him.”
“I don’t think we can be smart enough with somebody like Matthew [Stafford] and I think it’s best for him, best for our football team, and that’s kind of the plan that we’ll have moving forward,” McVay said.
Stafford, who has been dealing with back soreness, spent most of the first week of training camp working with the Rams’ training staff away from the field.
McVay added that Stafford, 37, is still expected to start Week 1 against the Texans, saying that the 37-year-old will “absolutely” be ready for the season opener.
“He is still good,” McVay told reporters. “We’re gonna be week-to-week with him, though. I think when you look at it, the end goal is September 7 when we open up against the Texans.”
The Rams plan to keep Stafford on a modified schedule once he returns to practice, with McVay noting that the 16-year veteran “feels really good” about the plan.
McVay also added that there would be no point in rushing Stafford back to playing.
“And rushing him back, where you could potentially have an unnecessary setback, you know, that just doesn’t make sense,” McVay said. “We are fortunate to have the luxury of a player like him that, you don’t minimize the importance of practice, but this is the best thing for him and our football team.”
Stafford’s injury concerns come after the two-time Pro-Bowler restructured his contract with the Rams earlier this year, with the Super Bowl LV champion earning $44 million for the 2025 season — all of which is guaranteed.
Through 16 games played last season, Stafford racked up 3,762 passing yards along with 20 touchdowns while helping lead the Rams to a 10-7 record.
