This isn't what was supposed to happen.
Rams' Matthew Stafford gets concerning injury update amid back problem originally appeared on The Sporting News
Matthew Stafford's injury comeback took a twist.
Head coach Sean McVay had suggested Stafford would be back at practice on Monday.
But there Stafford was, in street clothes, not practicing.
Stafford has been dealing with a back problem.
"Sean McVay previously said the plan was for Stafford to participate individual drills today," wrote ESPN's Sarah Barshop on X.
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Stafford is meant to continue his tenure as the Rams' starting QB this season, but a lingering back issue for an old quarterback doesn't seem like a great sign.
The Rams have Jimmy Garoppolo as his backup, a quality QB2 for sure. And behind him, they've got the on-the-rise Stetson Bennett, formerly of Georgia.
But this is meant to be Stafford's team.
He's 37 years old now, and he's heading into his 17th season in the NFL.
This will be Stafford's fifth year with the Rams, with whom he has a Super Bowl ring.
Stafford enters the season with 377 career touchdown passes and 59,809 career passing yards.
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At the moment, Stafford has this season and next season still under contract with the Rams. They seemed to be hoping with this two-year pact to get Stafford under center through 2026 and then figure things out from there.
Right now, though, it's all a bit uncertain. Stafford can't afford to be vulnerable with a back problem on the field, especially with less mobility as he has aged. But the Rams' best chance of reaching their ceiling clearly comes with Stafford out there throwing to the likes of Puka Nacua and Davante Adams.
So stay tuned on this one, because the story isn't going anywhere. Whatever setback Stafford may have had has to be a bit worrisome for Rams fans everywhere.
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