Rams inching dangerously close to last chance at a healthy Matthew Stafford

The Los Angeles Rams are not panicking yet over the lack of progress with Matthew Stafford. Nor should they be, as there is still time to get him ready for the 2025 NFL season. But his back injury has resisted progressing so far, and that has complicated everything. Until the 37-year-old quarterback can move a day after throwing the football, there is little hope for putting him in pads and getting him engaged in football-related activities.

The complication is neither the injury nor the team's depth at the quarterback position. It's the uncertainty of when or if the team's care plan might kick in and deliver a healthy starting QB back to the team. And therein lies the rub. Until the starting quarterback proves he can pass a tolerance test, all progress has ground to a hard halt.

Well, it seems that enough time has passed, and the team is loading up for another workout. As was the case in the first attempt, the team will subject Matthew Stafford to a series of throws to all areas of the football field and from various platforms. In the first tolerance test, Stafford reportedly threw over 60 passes. Unfortunately, he did not endure the stress well enough to return to any football activities the following day.

This could be the Rams' last attempt to get Matthew Stafford back for Week 1

Now that a week has passed, the team and player are ready to try again, as reported by ESPN's Sarah Barshop. This endurance and tolerance test will fall into the same parameters as the first attempt. The exercise will be under restrictive conditions. Stafford will throw specifically scripted throws. And medical personnel and trainers will be on hand to monitor the exercise and solicit feedback throughout the activity.

It's just a first step in what will be several steps towards full medical clearance. Stafford must prove that his back can handle the motions of a forward pass. Once he clears that basic first step, he will be cleared to throw in an unscripted environment.

If and when he clears that hurdle, he will be able to throw in multiple player drills, such as 11-on-11. Say he proves capable of performing in that environment, he may be cleared for full contact and starting in Week 1.

This is no longer about a conservative approach. The Rams are no longer handling their starting quarterback with kid gloves. This is about giving the team the best chance to get a healthy quarterback back in action, no matter how long it takes. Ultimately, the team took no shortcuts.

This is no longer a matter of the best path to take for his recovery. The dice are cast. Now, it's a matter of letting events play out, come what may. As always, thanks for reading.

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