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Los Angeles Rams, starting quarterback Matthew Stafford, will be set to Sunday’s home opener against Houston Texans, according to head coach Sean McVay.
There had been questions about Staffford’s health throughout the peak season as a spinal disease led him to start slower than the rest of his Rams teammates. But McVay expects Stafford as well as the Left Tackle Alaric Jackson to be available in week 1.
Stafford missed all training camp due to a worsening disk in the back.
He received an epidural injection to relieve the pain and he was not a full practice participating before August 18.
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Los Angeles Rams Quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during organized team activities at Rams Practice Facility on June 3, 2025. (Kirby Lee/Imag- Pictures)
But since he has returned, Stafford has not had any setbacks that have his head coach to feel confident in 37-year-old’s abilities that go up against a tough Texans team to kick the new season.
However, McVay has not been as concerned as fans throughout this Stafford situation.
Rams’ Matthew Stafford returns to practice after missing time due to back injury
“I thought he was doing a good job today,” McVay told journalists on August 18. “We had 26 plays and he did a really good job of managing the hug. I thought he saw the field well. I thought he was going where the ball was going to go and there was some good competitive work on both sides today.”
Rams has taken things carefully with the former No. 1 overall choice of Georgia and said at the time the situation was “very fluid” because they would not say for sure he would be available week 1.
Now that the season is about to begin, McVay was making this term and the frame is ready to roll.
Los Angeles Rams Quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws against Buffalo Bills during the first half at Sofi Stadium. (Gary A. Vasquez/Imag- Pictures)
Los Angeles hopes to defend his NFC West title a year ago, and devised Seattle Seahawks by a draw despite having a 10-7 record at the end of the regular season.
One key to doing so is having a healthy stafford under the middle through the season. McVay and the rest of Rams understand how important Staffford’s performance is for their Super Bowl heap.
Stafford threw in 3,762 yards with 20 touchdowns for eight interceptions over 16 games last season. He owned a 65.8% completion rate in his 16th NFL season.
While his main goal, Puka Nacua, stays in his hug, there is a new look at the broad recipient as Davante Adams fills the void left by Cooper Kupp that was traded for the rival Seahawks this season.
Los Angeles Rams Quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) goes on the field before the game against Dallas Cowboys at Sofi Stadium on August 22, 2025. (Jayne Kamin OnCea/Imag images)
Staffford’s backup this season is Jimmy Garoppolo, who would replace him in a time of need for McVay.
