Matthew Stafford injury update: Rams QB dealing with aggravated disk, reportedly received epidural

The Los Angeles Rams have Super Bowl aspirations in 2025, but much of their hope rests on the shoulders — or, more accurately, the back — of veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford. 

Stafford has yet to practice in training camp, as he is dealing with an aggravated disk in his back, per NFL Media. The 37-year-old signal-caller received an epidural to help him deal with the injury. Over the weekend, Rams coach Sean McVay called Stafford “week-to-week” and noted that while he’s making good progress, they’re not in a hurry to rush him back on the field. He plans to be ready for the season opener. 

ESPN’s Adam Schefter said on a recent podcast that what Stafford is dealing with is more of a “maintenance issue.”

“I don’t think it’s ideal when your quarterback hasn’t practiced yet in training camp and it’s the first week in August, but, it’s my understanding is, it is a total maintenance issue,” Schefter said. “Yes, he has had some back discomfort, he’s had some pain — 37 years old — but they don’t want to put him out there, they don’t want to put any wear and tear on his body. He knows how the game works. He knows how the offense functions. He knows how his teammates think and operate. So they are intentionally keeping him out in the interest of maintenance, self-preservation and just wise caution. And my understanding is, if the Rams had a game today, Matthew Stafford would be playing, without a question.” 

Given Stafford’s history of back issues, most notably a spinal cord contusion that cost him time in 2022, Rams fans will have a hard time not being at least a little concerned about Stafford’s health and whether he can make it through the season if he’s already in maintenance mode in August. 

Kyren Williams contract: Rams star running back gets three-year, $33 million extension

Bryan DeArdo

The Rams leaned on a strong running game last year while they dealt with some major receiver injuries, and they signed Kyren Williams to a new $33 million extension Tuesday. He figures to play a prominent role again in alleviating the burden on Stafford, as the better their rushing attack is, the less pressure Stafford will face — and the better chance he has of navigating the full season. 

McVay was non-committal about Stafford making any appearances during the preseason, and we may have to wait until their Sept. 7 opener against Houston to see how Stafford looks in game action.