Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) takes the snap against the Houston Texans in the second half at SoFi Stadium. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Piling injuries could test Rams QB Matthew Stafford's health

By Eric Smithling | Last updated Sep 8, 2025 7:55 PM ET

Mounting injuries could soon test how healthy Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford truly is.

On Monday, head coach Sean McVay shared that starting guards Steve Avila and Kevin Dotson are considered week-to-week after both suffered sprained ankles in Week 1's 14-9 win over the Houston Texans.

The timing could prove problematic, with the Rams going on the road to play the Tennessee Titans and Philadelphia Eagles in Weeks 2 and 3. Both have outstanding talent at interior defensive tackle.

#Rams LG Steve Avila and RG Kevin Dotson both suffered ankle sprains and are considered week-to-week, per HC Sean McVay.

LA is on the road the next two weeks — at the Titans in Week 2 and at the Eagles in Week 3. pic.twitter.com/HQlbHhnJ9T
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 8, 2025

Matthew Stafford's back injury poses worry with weakened offensive line

The Titans are led up front by three-time Pro Bowler Jeffery Simmons, who had a team-high four pressures in Week 1 against the Denver Broncos (h/t NFL Pro), while 2024 second-rounder T'Vondre Sweat gives them an ascending talent to play alongside their stalwart veteran.

As long as Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter doesn't spit on someone again and face another ejection, Philadelphia should pose even more problems.

Stafford, 37, didn't practice during the preseason until mid-August while dealing with a back injury.

He didn't show many ill effects against the Texans even after taking three sacks, as he completed 72.5% of his pass attempts for 245 yards and a touchdown.

But Stafford's health will be worth monitoring as the hits pile up. Per Pro Football Focus data, Stafford was pressured on 40.6% of his dropbacks on Sunday, the sixth-highest rate entering "Monday Night Football."

Based on how long Avila and Dotson are sidelined, Stafford's protection could get much worse before it gets better. But if the Rams get past this rocky stretch unscathed, it could ease concerns about Stafford's ability to withstand the rigors of the full season.

Eric Smithling

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans

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