Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford has been dealing with a back injury throughout training camp, preventing him from practicing at all. However, the Rams don’t view it as a long-term issue; they believe it’s something that simply needs time to heal.
“And rushing him back, where he could potentially have an unnecessary setback, that just does not make sense. We (The Rams) are fortunate to have the luxury of a player like him, that you do not minimize the importance of practices, but this is the best thing for him and for our football team,” Rams head coach Sean McVay said.
Stafford’s injury has been confirmed as an aggravated disk in his back. At 37 years old, he is understandably more fragile than in his younger years.
“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,” CBS Sports’ Robby Kalland wrote.
If Stafford decides to retire after this season, it will likely signal a rebuild for the Rams. In the 2027 NFL Draft, Los Angeles could very well select a quarterback who will significantly bolster the position.
“The veteran quarterback has already flirted with the idea of retirement in the past, and, for the sake of this scenario, let's assume he decides to hang it up after this upcoming campaign. That would leave a massive hole under center for the Rams, and the club could look at the 2026 season as an opportunity to reset, identify the core they want to rebuild with, not be the most competitive team in the league, and suddenly be in a position to draft Manning. With Manning now in-house, it could fast-track their rebuild,” CBS Sports’ Tyler Sullivan wrote.
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Manning hasn’t had to prove himself yet this season, but if he does, he will certainly be a top pick in 2027. Stafford will likely have retired by then, and Sean McVay could have another talented quarterback in his system. This scenario fits almost perfectly.