Matthew Stafford
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INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 09: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams before the NFL Preseason 2025 game between Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on August 09, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Rams continue to face frustrating delays with Matthew Stafford’s return to practice.
Stafford was slated to resume on Monday, but did not take part in team drills. On Tuesday, ESPN’s Sarah Barshop reported the two-time Pro Bowler was “not out with the other quarterbacks to start practice.”
Sidelined with a back injury, the 37-year-old’s status has been mostly unchanged since the start of training camp. Sean McVay and the team haven’t viewed it as much of a concern to this point, and believe that they will have their starting QB ready for Week 1.
Stafford’s current absence under center has provided further opportunities for Rams backups Jimmy Garoppolo and Stetson Bennett, splitting first-team reps during practice.
Podcast Co-Host Announcement
While he’s separated from on-field action, Stafford has joined the Let’s Go! podcast as a co-host, per Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.
He will team up with Jim Gray for the show’s fifth season, and take over the role left by Bill Belichick. Entering his 17th NFL campaign, Stafford joins Las Vegas Raiders’ star defensive end Maxx Crosby and Peter King.
“Over the years, I have enjoyed watching & listening to ‘Let’s Go’ on SiriusXM, and Jim is one of the true icons of sports broadcasting,” Stafford said, via Barrett Media. “To have a chance to work with him, Maxx and Peter this season was too good to pass up. Nothing is more important than winning football games, but Jim makes it so easy and fun to do this on Monday nights that I am really looking forward to it this season.”
Let’s Go! returns on September 1, ahead of the NFL regular season’s opening weekend.
“Matthew is one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, and we are thrilled to welcome him to the ‘*Let’s Go!*’ team, Gray said. Since its inception, our show has featured legends Tom Brady, Bill Belichick, and Larry Fitzgerald. Welcoming Matthew to the lineup alongside Maxx and Peter this season is a great addition. His insight and energy will make the show a great experience for our listeners.”
Rams Preparing For Stafford To Be Ready By Week 1
Stafford’s back injury is reportedly a “maintenance” concern rather than severe. ESPN’s Adam Schefter stated on August 5 that Stafford would be able to play if Rams’ Week 1 was here.
The coaching staff’s plan seems to involve gradually increasing his workload as the month moves along, giving him ample time to regain full mobility and conditioning before taking on the Houston Texans in the September 7 season opener.
McVay and the Rams are still showing confidence in the veteran QB’s familiarity with the offense. He’s been at practice, just observing situations away from the football.
But looking at Stafford’s situation, it’s certainly been one of the most puzzling, to date. Two preseason games stand between the real deal. And it will be interesting to see what the final call winds up being, as it pertains to Stafford and the Rams.
In the meantime, Stafford will also prepare for his first official sports media role, airing every Monday at 6:30 P.M. ET/3:30 P.M. PT on SiriusXM NFL Radio.