Manage Stafford Workload Being Watched
The Los Angeles Rams are expected to limit quarterback Matthew Stafford’s throwing reps this upcoming training camp as the team looks to manage the 38-year-old’s back heading into the 2026 regular season, according to the latest NFL News update. ESPN’s Sarah Barshop reported the story.
Stafford missed most of 2025 training camp after suffering an aggravated disc in his back. He returned to practice before the preseason but operated on a day-to-day basis throughout the summer. Despite the limited ramp-up, Stafford went on to win the NFL’s Most Valuable Player award in the 2025 season, leading the Rams to the NFC Championship Game. The Rams lost to the Seattle Seahawks in that contest.
With that injury history now on the books, the Rams are expected to take a preemptive approach. Rather than risk further irritation to Stafford’s back, the organization plans to scale back the volume of throws he takes during the offseason program and summer camp.
Rams 2026 Odds
The NFC West will be an interesting division to watch in 2026, as it’ll be nearly impossible to keep up with the overall performance from a season ago. Three teams in that division, the Seahawks, 49ers, and Rams, all had 12+ wins. That’s extremely rare, given that six of every team’s games are played within their division. Currently, the LA Rams over 11.5 wins is the current line at most sportsbooks. That is one of the highest win total props offers at this time. Surprisingly, the Ravens are the only other 11.5 win total I can find.
What’s the Plan?
That approach carries real implications for the backup quarterback competition. The Rams have not confirmed a plan at QB2 for the 2026 season. Head coach Sean McVay acknowledged at the 2026 NFL Annual League Meetings that it is “less likely than likely” that Jimmy Garoppolo, who filled in for Stafford during 2025 training camp and started the regular-season finale, will return to the roster. The Rams have since been evaluating options in the upcoming NFL Draft to address the backup role, with Stetson Bennett currently the only other quarterback under contract.
Last summer, Garoppolo handled first-team offensive reps while Stafford was sidelined, and McVay called his performance in that role critical for the team’s early-season preparation. Without a confirmed backup in place, the Rams will need to identify a reliable option before the summer program begins.
Stafford’s pass-catchers entering 2026 include wide receivers Davante Adams and Puka Nacua. Adams, whose $6 million roster bonus was paid by the Rams in March, is confirmed on the roster entering the final year of his two-year deal. He posted 60 receptions, 789 receiving yards, and an NFL-best 14 touchdowns during the 2025 regular season despite missing three games. Nacua, who led the entire league with 129 catches in 2025, is currently at a voluntary holistic care facility and is expected to return in time for OTAs, according to his attorney.
As long as Stafford’s back holds, the Rams’ offense figures to again be among the most productive in the league. The question this summer will be who is behind him — and whether the Rams can answer that question before the pads go on.