Just a few days ago, Sean McVay made it sound like everything was under control. Matthew Stafford missing practice? Totally fine. Just part of the plan. The Rams coach called it a “smart” approach for easing a 17-year veteran back into camp. Stafford was “feeling good” and “throwing,” so nothing to worry about, right? Turns out, there are some worrisome things around.
The vibe is definitely not as chill anymore. Stafford’s now officially “week-to-week” with back soreness, and that whole “no big deal” tone? Kind of starting to feel like a smokescreen. And it might finally be time for Sean McVay to address a difficult question: what is Plan B?
Regardless of all the hope Sean McVay puts in Rams fans’ heads, there is someone who put forward the harsh reality. In a recent episode of Locked on Rams, the host gave us all a warning. “It’s not a fire, but it isn’t nothing. If everything was fine, he’d be playing. So clearly, there is something going on,” he said.
And he’s right. It’s not just a pulled muscle or a strain. It’s his back. We all know the history. Let’s rewind for a second. In 2018, Stafford gutted out the season with tiny fractures in his upper spine (he played through it, but that was 7 years ago).
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Then in 2022, things got way more serious: a spinal cord contusion that ended his season early. He had numbness in his legs after a hit. Just nine starts before landing on IR. It was the kind of injury that shook fans and made every future back update feel way heavier than just a “routine rest day.” So, no. If his back is troubling again, it is a cause for concern.
“If the Rams have a great season this year, it’ll be because Stafford had a great season. But that can’t happen if he’s not training,” the host added. He pulled off insane numbers last season. 3,762 yards, 20 touchdowns, 8 picks in 16 games, leading the team to a 10-7 finish and a playoff spot. There’s no doubt he’ll rack up similar numbers if he’s healthy this season. But that’s exactly what the problem is. Can his back hold up for the majority of the season? It doesn’t look like it.
Sean McVay, on the other hand? The man doesn’t flinch. McVay’s trying to keep everyone calm, saying there’s “no new setback” and that they’re just being smart about it, checking in with the medical team, spine docs, all the right people. The goal? Have Stafford ready to go by Week 1 vs. the Texans. But every missed rep matters. And it’s not just about Week 1; it’s about staying healthy for an entire year. Let’s assume the worst-case scenario. What is the backup plan?
Sean McVay’s contingency plan
For now, McVay has a clear Plan B. With Stafford out, Jimmy Garoppolo has been running the show with the first-team offense, taking every rep and getting really comfortable with guys like Davante Adams and rookie TE Terrance Ferguson. And he’s looking solid. Remember that Week 18 game last year? 334 yards, two touchdowns, and total command. He might not be the long-term guy, but if Stafford can’t go, Jimmy’s showing he can keep things steady.
But this contingency plan isn’t just about experience; it’s also about banking on the future. Laying the foundation for what’s next. Behind Jimmy G, you’ve got Stetson Bennett IV, still trying to find his rhythm, and just behind him? Dresser Winn. A UFL standout who turned enough heads to earn a shot on the Rams’ practice squad.
Sure, they’re not Stafford, and they’re not ready to take over the world tomorrow, but they give the Rams options. And right now, with Stafford’s back still a big question mark, options are pretty much all they’ve got.
But maybe the most telling part of all this? The Rams might be planning a future without Stafford. Yeah, their stockpiling of 2026 first-round picks isn’t just a coincidence. It looks like the front office is hedging its bets: hoping Stafford’s back holds up for 2025, but prepping for a potential next chapter if it doesn’t.
If Stafford doesn’t come back soon, they might need to make some decisions. That means not just leaning on Jimmy G or giving Bennett a shot, but potentially reshaping their entire future game plan.
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