Matthew Stafford Sits, But Los Angeles Rams Downplay His Back Ailment

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, sidelined by a bum back, looks on at practice. Jimmy Garoppolo (11), Stafford’s backup, has been filling Stafford’s role and he mends. (AP Photo/Jayne Kamin-Oncea)

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Quarterback Matthew Stafford remains sidelined, and so far, the Los Angeles Rams brass is unconcerned.

Stafford, a 17-year pro, has yet to participate in a team practice at training camp because of a back ailment, with the Sept. 7 season-opener against the visiting Houston Texans coming fast for L.A.

On Monday, Stafford was scheduled for the first time to take snaps with the full squad, but he wasn’t able to go.

Tuesday came and went, with Stafford, 37, still cooling his powerful right arm while others worked.

Backup Jimmy Garappolo continues to direct the first team as the Rams are running out of time to get Stafford right before the curtain rises on a year in which L.A. is primed to make a deep postseason run.

“This is not nothing,’’ said former Ram D’Marco Farr, a member of L.A.’s broadcasting team on “Good Morning Football”. “It could be a big deal.’’

But Rams coach Sean McVay is doing everything possible to prevent L.A. fans from reaching for the panic button. He’s been careful to avoid saying that Stafford’s injury could be significant.

Except even McVay is now tip-toeing on just when Stafford will be ready.

Stafford is dealing with an aggravated disc, which plays havoc with his mobility and creates nerve issues. It seems rest is the main tonic for Stafford to rebound, as McVay discounted any notion that Stafford would require surgery.

“Haha, are you kidding?’’ McVay said. ”No.”

McVay continues to show little concern. Whether he’s doing that to ease his players’ minds or out of respect to Stafford, but there are no guarantees that the condition will get better with time.

Although, that is the hope.

Also, if Stafford is having issues practicing, the prospects of him playing in a game – and the hits that come with it – can’t be a comforting thought for the Rams, no matter how optimistic they are.

The Rams need Stafford to get where they want to go. It’s a heavy load for Stafford and one that only increases with a barking back.