L.A. Rams Hope Matthew Stafford Returns, But His Status Is Clouded

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, center, has been idle for most of the team’s training camp but he recently participated in his first practice. (AP Photo/Wally Skalij)

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It was the most significant Los Angeles Rams practice they conducted in preparing for next month’s opener, because of one player: Matthew Stafford.

The Rams’ standout quarterback participated in a team workout on Monday for the first time since camp opened, as Stafford and L.A. manages his balky back.

The saga of when and where Stafford, 37, would finally take snaps and sling the ball around has been a long-playing L.A. story.

Stafford, a 17-year veteran, threw passes when working individually on Aug. 9, but since it’s been a massive guessing game regarding his status because of an aggravated disc in his back.

Instead of ramping up his game following that lone workout, all parties tapped the brakes in predicting his return.

“There was a lot of things that we had talked about at the beginning, and it’s kind of gone a little bit differently than what we had planned,’’ Rams coach Sean McVay told reporters.

What’s crystal clear is the Rams with a healthy Stafford under center are a legitimate Super Bowl contender.

With backups Jimmy Garoppolo and Stetson Bennett directing the Rams’ high-powered offense?

Not so much.

Although much was read into Stafford’s ability to endure the one-hour workout. He was able to move around, throw the ball with precision and basically not look like somone in their late 30s playing football with a ailing back.

Yet little was said afterward, which keeps that red flag flapping the Rams’ season is under watch.

When will Stafford return to the huddle? Good luck determining that and it’s likely the Rams’ brass isn’t sure, either. McVay describes it as a “fluid situation.”

“I’m not going to pigeonhole myself into any plans,’’ McVay said, after getting burned earlier when trying to gauge Stafford’s status. ”And so we’re just really seeing how he feels.”

Stafford didn’t feel the obligation to share his practice day with the media. Mum was the word from Stafford, leaving others to fill in the blanks.

“He did a good job,’’ McVay said. ”I thought he looked good, but I really don’t have any updates.”

What’s arriving fast is the season-opener against the Houston Texans on Sept. 7, with McVay unable to confirm his starting quarterback.