NFL insider Ian Rapoport made news Wednesday morning when he reported that Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is dealing with an aggravated disc and has received an epidural to alleviate the pain.
The team has called Stafford week-to-week since the start of camp and the goal remains to have him progress to the point that he’s able to play in Week 1.
However, Sports Medicine Physician Jesse Morse, M.D., shared a rather pessimistic prognosis for Stafford, as he attempts to return to play.
Matthew Stafford diagnosed with a herniated disk in his back and ‘hoping’ an epidural will be enough to help with the pain.
— Jesse Morse, M.D. (@DrJesseMorse) August 6, 2025
Back pain is tricky and an epidural is essentially just a cortisone shot placed strategically to try to calm down the nerve.
It doesn’t do the most… https://t.co/uyYZPC6NZH pic.twitter.com/5F42m3zOXe
Jimmy Garoppolo is Stafford's backup and will get the start on Sept. 7 against the Texans if Stafford is unable to play.
Stafford started all but one game for the Rams in 2024 and threw for 3,762 yards, 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions.
The two-time Pro Bowler's lone absence came in the final week of the regular season. With Los Angeles having already clinched the division, head coach Sean McVay decided to rest his starter.
Stafford is entering his fifth season with the Rams, who won a Super Bowl in his first season in L.A. but have failed to advance past the divisional round since.
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