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Sean McVay Makes Rams' Week 1 Matthew Stafford Plans Clear Amid Injury

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dan Fappiano | Last updated Sep 1, 2025 4:57 PM ET

For all the changes the Los Angeles Rams have made during the offseason, all eyes have been on the injury status of quarterback Matthew Stafford. Whether or not he is able to suit up consistently throughout the regular season will determine just how far the Rams go.

Stafford is battling through a back injury. It is something the team has monitored constantly and will continue to do so as the regular season progresses. The quarterback is entering his age-37 season, so the Rams aren't planning on taking any chances with his health.

Still, head coach Sean McVay and company know their team is only complete with Stafford on the field. With that in mind, when the Rams take on the Houston Texans in Week 1, McVay is expecting Stafford to be under center, via Sarah Barshop of ESPN.

"Matthew Stafford is expected to start against the Texans, Sean McVay said," Barshop wrote.

Matthew Stafford is expected to start against the Texans, Sean McVay said.
— Sarah Barshop (@sarahbarshop) September 1, 2025

Rams relying on Matthew Stafford

Los Angeles does have a veteran in Jimmy Garoppolo as their backup. However, they have constructed their roster around Stafford. They know it'll be a year-to-year and even game-to-game situation depending if injuries pile up. But they believe he is the right quarterback to lead their team to victory.

He has proven he can do so in the past, winning Super Bowl LVI with the franchise. Over his four-year tenure with the Rams, Stafford has thrown for 14,700 yards, 95 touchdowns and 44 interceptions. Los Angeles has gone 34-23 under his watch.

During the 2024 campaign, Stafford helped the Rams make the playoffs with their 10-6 record by throwing for 3,762 yards, 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions. His numbers may not be flashy, but they were efficient. That's exactly what McVay is looking for from Stafford under center in 2025.

The Rams have plenty of flashy targets in place to throw to. Cooper Kupp may be gone, but Davante Adams has arrived. He'll join Puka Nacua and running back Kyren Williams to form a fearsome offensive trio. If Stafford can keep the wheels on the track, Los Angeles will be a tough team to beat consistently.

But the quarterback must remain on the gridiron before the Rams can claim success. McVay is expecting Stafford to suit up in Week 1. How he responds to the Texans challenge will determine his playing status for Week 2 and beyond.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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