The Los Angeles Rams opened the training camp in 2025 in Thousand Oaks this week without their long-standing quarter under the center. Matthew Stafford, now entering his 17th season and fifth of the NFL with the Rams, deals with back pain – a recurring problem that caused a precautionary break. Instead of participating in the exercises, Stafford works on the side, part of a deliberately modified calendar that the team’s hope will extend its sustainability throughout the regular season. While fans could start in the word “back”, head coach Sean Mcvay seems no alarm – he doubles experience and patience.
Los Angeles Rams take no risk as Jimmy Groppolo intervenes and Matthew Stafford rests to manage back pain
Addressing journalists at the camp on Monday July 22, Rams of Los Angeles Head coach Sean Mcvay explained the logic behind the absence of staff of the first training sessions. “He launched, feeling good. It is not necessarily new – something he has already dealt with,” said Mcvay.Rather than pushing Matthew Stafford Thanks to discomfort, the team has planned a period of rise in the first five days of the camp. “By going through the 17th year, we were going to adopt a modified approach with him, a little similar to what we did in the intersane program,” added Mcvay.The Los Angeles RAMS approach reflects both the medical history of Stafford and its profound mastery of the offense. Mcvay stressed that if it was a younger quarter, history could be different. “If he was a first year player, then I think you would say, guy, each representative really counts,” he said. “But because of his ability to communicate to me, (training staff), I feel really good.”The Rams were already planning to rest staff every fourth days during the camp, making this adjustment an extension of this long -term view strategy.
Jimmy Groppolo takes the reins of the Los Angeles Rams camp, but the grip of Matthew Stafford on QB1 remains firm
Until Stafford later returned to the camp, Jimmy Groppolo takes representatives from the first team. Now in its second season with the Rams, Groppolo offers security to the pinch and should lead early training while Stafford works individually.“You feel lucky that you have a guy like Jimmy who will intervene and do a great job for the first practices. And then Matthew will be ready to ride,” said Mcvay.Stafford, who will be 38 years old in February, launched 3,762 yards with 20 affected and 8 interceptions last season. The Rams rested it in the week 18 after winning the NFC West – an element of your similar to it.“He feels good about it, I feel good about it,” said Mcvay. “In the end, it is a question of making it feel as well as possible – mentally, physically, emotionally – in annual 17.”With Stafford sidelined to start the camp, the Rams do not sweat the optics – they stick to the plan. Mcvay's messaging is clear: it is a question of preserving their veteran chief, of not replacing it. While the team heads around week 1, the rest of the staff today is part of ensuring that it is ready tomorrow. The training camp may have started without its starry quarter under the center, but the Rams are betting that patience is paid in July when it counts in September.Read also: Russell Wilson will not save New York Giants – but Brian Daboll is counting on him to repair them