Sean McVay is watching his 53-man roster crackle under the weight of injuries. Matthew Stafford’s absence, once framed as a short pause for a sore back, has stretched into a prolonged layover. The setback has evolved into weeks without practice, an epidural, and murmurs of an aggravated disc. Reports suggested that McVay was counting on his backup, Jimmy Garoppolo, to lead from day one, as Stafford’s recovery timelines continue to become hazier. “… There’s no doubt in my mind he’s a starting quarterback in this league and I think he’ll get a chance to be able to do that again. … Having Jimmy has been a real blessing.” The question lingers like a shadow over training camp: Is Jimmy now the Rams‘ true starter?
Analysts have thrown in another name in the mix while guessing the Rams’ season starter. On the August 14 episode of the Rich Eisen Show, WWE superstar The Miz and Chris Brockman discussed Sean McVay’s quarterback dilemma. They weighed how the coach might handle a starter still absent from practices. Brockman floated one high-profile solution. “You want to come to Los Angeles, Kirk? It’s only 25 million.”
Brockman painted the picture of a dangerous offense. “I mean, think about that. I mean, Kirk Cousins with Puka, like Davante Adams. I mean, I like it.” Cousins remains with the Falcons for 2025 but has been pushed down the depth chart by Michael Penix Jr. Head coach Raheem Morris has no plans to play him in the preseason, even as a backup. If McVay were to pursue him, the move could bring the Rams back into the spotlight. For now, the speculation is pure league chatter.
Aug 11, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay watches game action against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
With Matthew Stafford sidelined, Garoppolo has taken most of the first-team snaps in camp. He already has a working relationship with the WRs and definitely knows the playbook. Reporter Gary Klein noted that McVay rarely plays his starters or top contributors in the preseason. That could put Stetson Bennett and Dresser Winn under center on Saturday if Garoppolo is also kept out.
For now, the question is who will be running centre when the season hits? And Sean McVay has a difficult choice to make if Jimmy Garoppolo is taken out of the equation.
Who can take the show, Kirk Cousins or Matthew Stafford?
Matthew Stafford’s age and health are again in the spotlight for the Rams. The veteran quarterback has already missed stretches of training camp with a back issue. While the team insists he will be fine, his absence has fueled speculation. Pro Football News on X fanned the flames with a pointed update. “There’s ‘no update’ on Matthew Stafford, a day after he was supposed to return to practice.” The line quickly fueled analysts’ predictions.
Adam Schefter was blunt in his assessment. “He’s 37 years old. It’s a back [injury]. Backs linger. I think it’s problematic.” Inside Rams Nation, there is no public panic. The organization continues to project calm, maybe because Year 2 Garoppolo is fit enough to take the reins. Last season, Stafford threw for 3,762 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions in 16 games. The potential for another playoff run is real, but the recovery timeline is not.
Meanwhile, the Atlanta Falcons have held onto Kirk Cousins and his $27 million guaranteed salary. Their patience is strategic. They are waiting for a desperate franchise to overpay in a trade. The Rams’ current situation could fit that profile. Atlanta also boasts two former Sean McVay assistants, Raheem Morris and Zac Robinson, running an offense that Cousins could transition to quickly. The link-up rumours are definitely gaining momentum.
“I don’t know that Kirk would accept a trade just anywhere… The Rams open up, I would think Kirk Cousins would be pretty excited about that opportunity,” Eisen said, noting the fit matters as much as the paycheck. With his family settled and a hefty contract in place, Cousins would need the right landing spot to consider moving. NFL Network’s Andrew Siciliano questions if Cousins, two years removed from an Achilles tear, is truly a major upgrade over Jimmy Garoppolo. That is where the debate heats up.
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