Stafford is also TBD for the Rams’ practice with the Chargers on Aug. 13
The Los Angeles Rams use joint practices with other NFL teams as a replacement for preseason games when it comes to veterans and starters, putting a lot of value in those sessions. That’s what makes the latest update on Matthew Stafford a bit concerning.
Sean McVay told reporters after practice Saturday that Stafford remains “week-to-week” with a back injury, shedding little light on the Rams quarterback. He did rule Stafford out for Tuesday’s joint practice in Oxnard with the Dallas Cowboys, so it’ll be Jimmy Garoppolo running the show that day.
McVay added that he’s unsure if Stafford will practice against the Chargers on Aug. 13, which is a little less than two weeks away. That’s hardly encouraging, especially given the emphasis the Rams put on joint practices.
Stafford saw a back specialist, Dr. Steven Watkins, again on Saturday and McVay said “everything is in good shape.” Stafford is “making good progress,” according to McVay, but there’s still no clarity on when he’ll take his first snap since minicamp.
McVay said this past week that he remains confident Stafford will be ready for the start of the season on Sept. 7, but there doesn’t seem to be any indication of when he’ll begin practicing again.