The reigning Super Bowl champions could be in trouble. Los Angeles Rams defender Matthew Stafford is dealing with elbow soreness in his throwing arm, which coach Sean McVay calls “abnormal” for a quarterback.
Stafford’s elbow bothered him last season and he needed an injection after the Super Bowl. The 34-year-old didn’t throw during the Rams’ spring training as a precaution. McVeigh added that the problem usually occurs in Major League Baseball pitchers, not one he ever dealt with as a coach.
Stafford threw a throw Thursday during 7-on-7 practice, but did not participate in the team’s reps, again dealing with his sore elbow. Given the discomfort, McVay doesn’t think Stafford will be ready by the end of training camp on Aug. 10.
McVay told reporters that the Rams’ training staff “tried some things in the offseason” to ease Stafford’s pain, but knew they would take a “modified approach and progressive build” for his recovery during camp.
“Could he do it? Yes,” McVay said. “Is this the best? We didn’t think so. And I think it’s my responsibility to make the best decisions possible with the help of medical experts and talking to Matthew. And so, all of these things together have led to where we are now. And it’s an ever-evolving process, but we’re really taking these next couple of weeks and seeing how they go.”
McVay made it clear that the Rams’ main goal in this process is to get Stafford ready for the season opener.
“[You] I want to try to make sure he does the surgery with as little pain as possible, McVay said. free, but the goal would be by September 8th and we’re really looking at 17 games and then hopefully a few games after that if we get the chance.
“That’s kind of the perspective and the broad approach that we want to take. I don’t know if I would have felt as comfortable taking this approach if it weren’t for the experience he’s gained and knowing how intentional he is to keep up with the mental and physical work he can do in the absence of certain things in team settings.”
Despite an elbow injury last season, Stafford played in every game and threw for 4,886 yards while completing 67.2% of his passes for 41 touchdowns and 17 interceptions. He then managed game-winning drives in three straight postseason games en route to a Super Bowl victory.
McVay said Stafford “looked really good” after Thursday’s practice.
“Even on air routes, on the types of throws where you really see all parts of the field being activated, it’s really good,” McVay said. “And so I’ve definitely seen an improvement. He’s made those throws before, but the ability to do it intelligently is something we’re really looking for.”
The Rams first preseason game with be vs Los Angeles Chargers August 13.
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