Rams HC Sean McVay discusses potential timeline for star's return

The coach told the media the 37-year-old QB is slated to run through a workout before Saturday's preseason opener against the Dallas Cowboys. If all goes well, he should return to practice on Monday. 

L.A. needs Stafford's session to go smoothly. The Rams certainly don't want to roll with one of their backup QBs in Week 1 against the Houston Texans. 

Rams backup QB Jimmy Garoppolo has a 43-21 starting record in the regular season. Plus, he played for San Francisco 49ers HC Kyle Shanahan — whose playbook is similar to McVay's — for six seasons. 

Garoppolo, however, is often injured. Throughout his 11-year career, he has battled knee, ankle and shoulder issues. 

QB Stetson Bennett IV — a fourth-round pick in 2023 — has yet to throw a pass in a regular-season game. With that in mind, the Rams should sign another passer, perhaps one-time Pro Bowler Carson Wentz.

This season, the Rams offense seems tailored for a QB who can push the ball downfield like Stafford. In free agency, L.A. signed wide receiver Davante Adams to a two-year, $44M deal. The six-time Pro Bowler could form an elite tandem with star third-year WR Puka Nacua. Still, the team needs Stafford to be healthy to do so. 

The Rams may be on the verge of winning their third Super Bowl after back-to-back playoff appearances. They need Stafford to get healthy for things to go as planned.

The back injury is still a concern, but at least L.A. knows there's a chance the Super Bowl LVI champion could return soon.