Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is expected to start the season opener against the Houston Texans, head coach Sean McVay told reporters Monday, including ESPN’s Sarah Barshop.
Stafford has been dealing with an aggravated disc in his back during training camp. He returned to practice Aug. 18 after sitting out for multiple weeks and has been able to participate in individual and team drills leading up to Week 1.
The 37-year-old saw a back specialist for the injury in early August. However, McVay remained confident that the signal-caller would be ready for the season opener.
Stafford agreed to a restructured deal this offseason to remain with the Rams. He’s under contract for the next two years with cap hits of $47-million-plus attached to his deal in 2025 and 2026, according to Over The Cap.
The veteran led Los Angeles to the divisional round last season but ultimately lost to the Philadelphia Eagles in a close game. Among 30 qualifying quarterbacks in 2024, Stafford ranked 11th in success rate and 15th in EPA/play, per Ben Baldwin’s database.
Stafford’s best campaign in Los Angeles was in 2021, when he led the franchise to a Super Bowl victory over the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Rams will face the Texans at 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday.
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