Matthew Stafford is finally back on a practice field.
The Rams quarterback took the field for Monday's session in full pads for the first time this summer, according to a video posted by the Rams' social media team.
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It might seem like a footnote in the larger NFL landscape, but as the calendar creeps closer toward September, Rams fans have gradually grown more concerned with Stafford's status, which has progressed from mysterious to worrisome.
Stafford went through a pregame workout nine days ago, but his back issue -- for which he's received epidurals to manage pain -- hadn't improved enough to allow him to participate last week. Fortunately, it seems as if he's progressed enough to finally take the field Monday.
If Stafford isn't fully ready to go by Week 1, veteran backup Jimmy Garoppolo would be in line to replace him. Preseason hero Stetson Bennett exists as the third-string option behind Garoppolo, but for a Rams team aiming to build upon their Divisional Round appearance last season, Stafford's availability remains paramount.