Okay, Rams fans — “deep breath” — because this is one of those headlines that sends a jolt through the fanbase: “Matthew Stafford is dealing with an aggravated disc in his back.” And just weeks before Week 1? Yeah, that’s not exactly the energy you want heading into a season where Super Bowl talk is “actually” on the table.
Now, if you’re thinking, ““Wait, didn’t we just go through this?”” — you’re not wrong. Stafford missed the beginning of training camp with what the team initially called a “recurring issue.” Turns out, it’s a bit more than that. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Stafford’s back problem has flared up enough to require an “epidural injection”. That’s not just sore muscles — that’s a guy dealing with real pain.
And yet, the official word out of Los Angeles is “week-to-week.” Which is NFL speak for: “Please don’t panic, but also maybe panic just a little.”
Let’s not sugarcoat it — Stafford is “37”, entering his “17th NFL season”, and playing with “$44 million reasons” to stay upright. He’s been through wars on the field, played hurt, and led this team to glory. But a lingering back issue, especially involving discs and epidurals, isn’t something you just “walk off.”
Especially when, right now, he’s not even “walking normally” — at least, not in cleats. Head coach Sean McVay says Stafford’s doing some treadmill work, cardio, and light core training, but he’s not throwing with the team. He hasn’t taken a practice snap. He hasn’t suited up. And Week 1 is creeping closer by the hour.
In the meantime, “Jimmy Garoppolo” is taking first-team reps — yeah, Jimmy G, the guy who’s basically turned being a high-profile backup into an art form. And if things don’t improve quickly for Stafford, there’s a real chance the Rams start the season leaning on Garoppolo and hoping he can hold the fort long enough for the main guy to get healthy.
Let’s not forget: last year, Stafford got the Rams to the “Divisional Round”, falling only to the eventual Super Bowl champs — the Eagles. That’s not nothing. The man’s still got the arm, the experience, and the fire. And with new offensive weapons like “Davante Adams” joining the fold, this was supposed to be a big year — not another season shadowed by injury concerns.
But here we are.
McVay is keeping the tone positive, saying, ““It doesn’t worry me,”” and insisting the team’s just being smart. And maybe that’s true. Maybe this is all about protecting the franchise QB until Sept. 7, when they open the season. Maybe this is just rest, rehab, and caution all rolled into one. But anyone who’s followed football long enough knows: back injuries don’t just “go away”. They linger. They resurface. And sometimes, they reshape entire seasons.
So for now, Stafford is week-to-week. The Rams are “not concerned.” And Garoppolo is getting ready. But let’s be honest: all eyes are on that aggravated disc. Because if Stafford’s back can’t carry the load this year… the Rams’ season just might collapse under the weight.
