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Los Angeles Rams Starting quarterback Matthew Stafford should open the home game against the Houston Texans on Sunday, according to head coach Sean McVay.
Stafford had questions about health throughout the offseason, as his back disease made him start slower than other Rams teammates. But McVay expects Stafford and left tackle Alaric Jackson to be offered in Week 1.
Stafford missed all the bootcamps due to a heavy disc on his back.
He received an epidural injection to relieve pain and was not a complete practice participant until August 18.
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Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) was in an organized team event at the RAMS practice agency on June 3, 2025. (Kirby Lee/Imagn image)
But Stafford has not encountered any setbacks since his return, which has given his head coach confidence in the 37-year-old’s ability, with a tough Texans to start the season.
McVay isn’t as worried as fans do in the whole Stafford situation.
Matthew Stafford of the Ram returns to practice after missing due to back injury
McVay told reporters on August 18: “I think he did a great job today. We have 26 team games and he did a great job in managing the juggling. I thought he watched it well. I think he should go well.
The Rams have been taking things carefully with Georgia’s former No. 1 pick, saying things were “very smooth” at the time because they didn’t want to say he would get Week 1.
Now that the season is about to begin, McVay will get the name and the Rams ready to roll.
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) threw against Buffalo Bills in the first half at Sophie Stadium. (Gary A. Vasquez/Imagn image)
Los Angeles hopes to defend its NFC West title from a year ago, snatching the Seattle Seahawks despite both 10-7 record at the end of the regular season.
The key to doing this is to have a healthy Stafford throughout the season. McVay and the other Rams understand how important Stafford’s performance is to their Super Bowl hopes.
Stafford threw 3,762 yards and eight interceptions in 16 games last season. He had a 65.8% completion rate on the 16th NFL season.
Although his main target Puka Nacua remains in his huddle Davante Adams Cooper Kupp left the rest of the gap, which was traded to rival Seahawks in the offseason.
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) was walking on the field before his August 22, 2025 game against the Dallas Cowboys at Sophie Stadium. (Jayne Kamin Oncea/Imagn image)
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Stafford’s backup this season is Jimmy Garoppolo, who will replace McVay when he needs McVay.
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