Rams insider quietly confirmed worst fears about Matthew Stafford injury

The Los Angeles Rams are stuck between a rock and a hard place in the management of starting quarterback Matthew Stafford's back injury. Since the start of training camp weeks ago, he has not donned his pads, has not eluded a pass rush, and has not had to make football plays surrounded by his teammates.

Yes, he threw over 60 passes under roof in a closed and controlled session. Yes, the initial reaction by medical staff, trainers, and coaches who were present was very positive after the exercise. But on the following morning, his back stiffened up, and he was unable to suit up and practice. So, he was forced to spend time in an Ammortal Chamber.

It’s alarming many fans to see that he’s been absent for a second consecutive day. Per ESPN’s Rams reporter Sarah Barshop, Matthew Stafford is not practicing with the other quarterbacks. It could be caution stemming from back pain after the controlled workout, or prescribed rest from medical professionals who want to give Stafford time to heal before resetting the board for another tolerance test.

Rams have taken Matthew Stafford's injury past the tipping point

The time for false hopes and blind faith is burning off like a morning fog. The Rams are now facing something more serious than the rhetoric has suggested. It’s reached a point where even bona fide Rams insider D’Marco Farr can no longer bite his tongue. Those close to the situation are starting to admit that this could be a big deal:

And yes, it could certainly be deemed as not nothing — because it was never nothing to begin with.

This isn’t new news; it’s simply that more and more people now understand the consequences of what’s been happening. The absence of Stafford was discussed more than a week ago. Precision timing, communication, and the instinctive connection between quarterback and receivers start now.

If you were lulled into a sigh of relief when head coach Sean McVay suggested that the 37-year-old could start a football game if that game were scheduled on the following day, you've simplified what it takes for a starting quarterback to prepare for a game.

Every football player needs reps. A 17-year veteran doesn't require all of the reps, but he definitely needs some of them. As it now stands, the Rams can't even say for certain that Stafford can be mobile the day after competing in a football game.

LA's roster was built to withstand short-term absences. But it’s becoming clear that placing their star quarterback on IR, giving him an extra month to get healthy, and starting the season with Jimmy Garoppolo might be the best option in a bad situation. The race to get Stafford right seems to be on his schedule, not the NFL’s or the Rams’.

Can the Rams win with Jimmy G under center? Honestly, they might have a better chance of winning games early this season if he does. Until Stafford can get through practice and wake up the next day pain-free, there doesn’t seem to be another option.

As always, thanks for reading.

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