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May 28, 2025; Woodland Hills, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) gestures during organized team activities at Rams Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images May 28, 2025; Woodland Hills, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) gestures during organized team activities at Rams Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Matthew Stafford Dealing With Aggravated Disc

Originally posted on Rams Newswire | By Ron Gutterman | Last updated Aug 6, 2025 1:14 PM ET

The Los Angeles Rams head into the 2025 NFL season with high hopes and high expectations after a very successful 2024 campaign. The Rams were the only team to give the Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles trouble during the postseason, ultimately falling to them in a snowy NFC Divisional battle. But with Matthew Stafford at the helm and the defense getting one year older, the playoffs are just the tip of the iceberg for what L.A. could accomplish in 2025.

But the biggest part of that formula is Stafford being healthy. The veteran is in his fifth season with the Rams, and in his first four seasons, they have made the playoffs in every year he’s played at least 10 games. They missed the playoffs the only season he played fewer than 10.

That’s why it is potentially scary news that he is dealing with an aggravated disc and is considered week-to-week moving forward, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network:

Sources: #Rams QB Matthew Stafford is dealing with an aggravated disc and has received an epidural to help him deal with it.

Los Angeles has called him week-to-week, being cautious, but with plans for him to be ready for Week 1. pic.twitter.com/wpj0Uqghax

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 6, 2025

One of the reasons the Rams suffered so much in the season that Stafford was injured was because they did not have any sort of serviceable backup. So last year they went out and got Jimmy Garoppolo, who they have confidence in even if they don’t expect Stafford to miss time in the regular season:

The #Rams remain confident that Matthew Stafford will be ready to begin the regular season. But as was clear during yesterday’s joint practice with the #Cowboys, they love what Jimmy Garoppolo brings as his backup. https://t.co/Mowz2h6Zv0

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 6, 2025

The Rams still, by all accounts, seem ready for Stafford to be the starting quarterback in Week 1. But if he isn’t, L.A. is as equipped as any other team in football to handle their starter missing time. Garoppolo is among the better backups in the game today.

But for the Rams to make real noise in 2025, they need a healthy Stafford. And with a back injury, caution is always the name of the game, especially at his age.

Matthew Stafford given 88 rating in Madden

Ahead of the 2025 season, Madden NFL 26 recently released some player rankings and Stafford came in as the fifth-highest ranked quarterback at 88 overall.

Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson top the list at No. 1 & No. 2, respectively, with 99 ratings. Joe Burrow comes in at No. 3 at 97, while Patrick Mahomes was given a 95, which was good for fourth. Stafford being in the top five is a clear indication that he’s still respected around the league and for good reason as he’s still got one of the best arms around. He finished above other notable quarterbacks like Jared Goff, Justin Herbert and Jalen Hurts, while Baker Mayfield and Jayden Daniels rounded out the top 10.

This article first appeared on Rams Newswire and was syndicated with permission.

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