Matthew Stafford has been a full participant in practice for more than a week after he missed much of the offseason with a back injury, but one reporter believes the Los Angeles Rams quarterback is going to have to manage the issue all year long.
Stafford missed a significant portion of training camp while he was receiving treatment for what was described as back soreness. It was later revealed that he has a disc issue and received an epidural injection to address the pain.
In a Tuesday appearance on the “Heed the Call NFL Podcast,” Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic said it is a positive sign that Stafford has been practicing ahead of the Rams’ Week 1 game against the Houston Texans on Sept. 7. However, Rodrigue sparked some concern among fans when she said she believes Stafford’s back injury is “gonna be a thing” throughout all of the 2025 season.
“After Week 1, we might have a completely different reaction. He might take a big hit. This back thing is gonna be a thing, to me, through the entire season,” Rodrigue said. “But for right now, to open up the season and to hopefully get on the right track in their mind, things are trending in the right way.”
here's the latest from @JourdanRodrigue on Matthew Stafford's back
— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) August 26, 2025
via @HeedTheCallPod
"this back thing is going to be a thing – to me – through the entire season. But for right now… trending in the right direction" pic.twitter.com/wQ9owxm3Ga
Stafford is known as one of the tougher players in the NFL. The 37-year-old has played through numerous injuries throughout his career, including back soreness last season.
The big concern is effectiveness, as it sounds like Stafford will have to carefully manage a condition that could become painful and flare up if he were to take a beating.
Stafford threw for 3,762 yards, 20 touchdowns and 8 interceptions in 16 games last season. He led the Rams to the playoffs, where they beat the Minnesota Vikings in the Wild Card Round before losing to the eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles in the Divisional Round.
Stafford signed a new deal with the Rams this offseason, and he reportedly took less money to remain with the team. L.A. should be right back in the playoff mix as long as Stafford is healthy enough to play.
