Matthew Stafford has missed a significant portion of the offseason because of a back injury, but the Los Angeles Rams expect him to be on the field in Week 1.
Rams head coach Sean McVay told reporters on Monday that the team is preparing for Stafford to start in Sunday’s season opener against the Houston Texans.
Stafford did not join the Rams on the field until well into training camp because of what was initially described as back soreness. It was later revealed that the quarterback has a disc issue and received an epidural injection to address the pain.
Stafford is known as one of the tougher players in the NFL. The 37-year-old has played through numerous injuries throughout his career, including back soreness last season. He is the type of player who would play at less than full strength.
An NFL reporter recently suggested Stafford’s back injury is something that will need to be managed all season.
Stafford threw for 3,762 yards, 20 touchdowns and 8 interceptions in 16 games last season. He led the Rams to the playoffs, where they beat the Minnesota Vikings in the Wild Card Round before losing to the eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles in the Divisional Round.
Stafford signed a new deal with the Rams this offseason, and he reportedly took less money to remain with the team. L.A. should be right back in the playoff mix as long as Stafford is healthy.