Rams' Sean McVay sounds optimistic about Matthew Stafford despite earlier rumors

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford practiced for the first time during training camp on Monday as he works to recover from a lingering back issue. 

Later on Monday, Rams head coach Sean McVay raised eyebrows when he said that discussing Stafford's status for Los Angeles' Week 1 game against the Houston Texans on Sept. 7 "would be putting the cart way before the horse." McVay sounded a bit more optimistic while speaking with reporters after Stafford participated in Tuesday’s practice.

"I thought he looked good," McVay said about Stafford, per Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk. "I thought he looked better than [Monday]. I thought it was a step in the right direction, and we’re going to continue to hope that he’s able to stack days and feel good. That’s what’s happened so far. I thought there were some good rushes that we had where he had to move and manipulate the pocket, activated all parts of the field."

Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio previously mentioned that it seems Stafford's back problem "is something that will continue to be an issue, especially once Stafford starts playing — and starts getting hit." It was reported back on Aug. 6 that Stafford had an aggravated disc that left him needing "epidurals to aid in dealing with the injury." 

Back in 2022, the 37-year-old was shut down for the remainder of that season after he was diagnosed with a spinal cord contusion. 

"I thought [Tuesday] was definitely a positive step in the right direction and we’re going to continue to hopefully stack days like that," McVay added while speaking about Stafford.

Journeyman Jimmy Garoppolo started when the Rams rested starters in Week 18 of the 2024 season. It's believed Garoppolo would get the nod over 2023 fourth-round draft pick Stetson Bennett IV if Stafford can't play against Houston. 

The fact that Stafford's body responded well following Monday's practice suggests the Rams dodged the type of setback that could've torpedoed their season before it began. That said, Kenny Pickett of the Cleveland Browns and Jameis Winston of the New York Giants are current backups who could become options for the Rams if McVay and Co. feel they should add to their quarterback room this summer.