The whispers started flying the moment Matthew Stafford was spotted on the sideline, cradling his lower back at Rams training camp. A familiar sight and one none of us wanted to see again. Stafford, who‘s battled through elbow issues, spinal contusions, and lingering pains throughout his LA career, was once again at the center of it all. This year, though, the concern wasn’t just about his health; it was for the Rams’ future. With no established veteran behind him and a thin margin for error in the NFC West, the Stafford concern seemed greater than one training camp adjustment.

Following Monday’s meeting, head coach Sean McVay provided a tranquil but measured update. “He feels good. We’ve been able to kind of increase some things behind the scenes,” McVay stated, regarding Stafford’s back rehab. “He’s in good spirits. … We do have a good plan in place that we feel good about. He’s progressing in the right direction.” Though McVay stopped short of offering a return timeline, the tone suggests the Rams are less panicked than they were a week ago.

Stafford, entering his 17th season in the league, has been going through this for a long time. Having aided the Rams secure Super Bowl LVI in his first season with the team, the 37-year-old has since been plagued by injuries that limited him to just nine games in 2022 and resulted in a more conservative management approach in 2023. And the broken ribs in 2024 also took a toll on him. The back discomfort he’s currently suffering isn’t out of the ordinary for a veteran quarterback. But the Rams are being cautious. 

McVay’s comments hinted at internal workouts and rehab progress not visible to the public eye. Suggesting a tailored ramp-up rather than a setback. “We’ve got a good plan,” he repeated, emphasizing structure over speed. 

The Rams’ depth behind Stafford is more precarious than ever going into the 2025 season. Veteran quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo came back on a new one-year deal as the primary backup, with Stetson Bennett IV as QB3 in his third year with the franchise. Practice–squad gem Dresser Winn signed another deal and will be on hand for preseason work while Stafford and Garoppolo rehab. All of these are superior options; however, none of them even compares to Stafford’s experience or familiarity with McVay’s system.

With its roster heading in a younger, more athletic direction, specifically after adding Davante Adams in free agency. Stafford’s veteran presence and experience-established chemistry with receivers is still essential. That’s the reason McVay still prefers purposeful structure to a rushed back: simplicity, shepherded ramps, and internal growth mean more than saving Stafford too soon. So far, that thoughtfulness still appears on track.

Kyren Williams responds to $33M nod by Matthew Stafford’s team

While Stafford works his comeback, one more Rams offensive tool enjoyed the greatest day of his professional life, off the playing field. Running back Kyren Williams couldn’t stop smiling after inking a three-year, $33 million contract extension. A well-earned reward for his breakout 2024 season. “I’ll never forget this day,” Williams told reporters. He said he will have to call his mom a second time when he gets home today. Just to be sure his three-year, $33 million extension really happened. His reaction was one of pure excitement, as far as he’s come since he got drafted in the fifth round back in 2022.

Williams was the team’s top rusher last season, amassing over 1,299 rushing yards on the ground and adding 14 rushing touchdowns. However, his value goes beyond statistics. He’s emerged as a foundation piece of McVay’s emerging offense. Showing pass-blocking intelligence, receiving talents, and a fearless running style that gets the locker room fired up. The extension is a statement on the part of the Rams that they‘re looking to construct around their emerging foundation. And Williams’ impact will grow by leaps and bounds as Stafford returns from injury.

His presence is also deliberate. With Stafford’s injury history. The Rams need a consistent run game that can anchor the offense and take pressure off the passing attack. Williams is the answer. He will have to bear more of the load in 2025. Especially with McVay likely using short passes and tempo control with Stafford’s reps attached. The expansion also conveys a message to young players. Performance will be rewarded, and in-house development matters in Los Angeles.

As training camp goes on, the Rams are juggling two simultaneous narratives. One born of hope, the other of gratitude. Stafford’s improvement is foremost. But the emergence of Kyren Williams reminds us that the future of this team is not the responsibility of any one performer. It’s a union of grizzled toughness and youth ferocity, with McVay keeping the ledger even.