Matthew Stafford update will have fans bracing for the worst

Although the 2025 NFL season for the Los Angeles Rams is still six weeks away, Rams fans were given a sobering update on the status of starting quarterback Matthew Stafford. It may not be the way fans wanted to open training camp, but it's what the team and fans must deal with. Considering the team has been down this road before, it's becoming eerily similar to the way the team opened the 2024 NFL season.

Rams fans have been disappointed with injuries in the past. But this is not at the level of RB Todd Gurley, not yet anyway. But with similar week-to-week scenarios as recently as the Rams' 2024 training camp, it's wise that fans take a realistic approach as far as this team is concerned. Hope for the best, and prepare for the worst.

And with the latest update about Matthew Stafford from Rams HC Sean McVay, the worst-case scenario has become a bit more bleak:

The reality of the matter is that the team is taking it low and slow, aiming to have Matthew Stafford ready to go for Week 1. Back injuries, much like hamstrings, can be minor, but can linger to the point of hampering a football player's entire NFL season. And with the throwing motion required of all NFL quarterbacks, a back injury is particularly bad because it inflicts pain and discomfort every time the quarterback turns, throws, or hands the football off to a running back.

What are we looking at with Stafford sore back

Sore backs are never fun. The myriad of muscles that make up the core of a professional athlete are synchronized to provide strength, flexibility, and endurance. But if something goes awry with even one small muscle, the entire system is thrown out of whack. If you have ever pulled a rib muscle from the simple act of coughing or laughing, you immediately know what I am referring to.

Matthew Stafford is a seasoned NFL veteran who knows the offense and the coaching staff. While fans hoped to read daily reports of Stafford furthering his rapport with new weapons like WR Davante Adams and rookie TE Terrance Ferguson, that baton has been handed off to backup quarterbacks Jimmy Garoppolo and Stetson Bennett.

While the evidence for a prolonged absence is simply not present, here is an objective assessment as to what and why Stafford's care plan is conservative:

The goal for the team is to have Matthew Stafford medically cleared and healthy for a long 17-game season, starting with a Week 1 showdown against the Houston Texans.

That first game of the season is six weeks away. Unless something takes a turn for the worst, it's well within a logical estimation for Stafford to be completely healed and ready to play.

In the meantime, the team gets a bonus by dispatching first team reps to Jimmy Garoppolo, second team reps to Stetson Bennett, and significantly more work to reserve quarterback Dresser Winn. While that may not move the needle for Rams fans, it most certainly does for offense coaches and OC Mike LaFleur.

The latest Matthew Stafford update will have fans bracing for the worst, and rightfully so. But don't allow the circumstances to mask the positives taking place at training camp. It is never about one player, but about preparing the entire team for a grueling 2025 Rams schedule. What may seem like a step back now could be a reason for great plays this year.

As always, thanks for reading.

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