How Concerning Is Matthew Stafford’s Back Injury?

August 6, 2025

https://sicscore.com/news/how-concerning-is-matthew-stafford-s-back-injury-

How Concerning Is Matthew Stafford’s Back Injury?

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is reportedly dealing with a herniated disc in his lower back, a development that casts doubt on his readiness for the 2025 season. According to Dr. David Chao, Pro Football Doc, the injury is more serious than initially believed and could range in impact from minor discomfort to a potential season-ending issue. Here’s a breakdown of what this means for Stafford and the Rams moving forward.

Why It Could Be Good News

“Look, this is what we said — the type of injury, there’s no trauma. He’s better off if there’s like a transverse process fracture. It’s a limited time, 2 weeks, he’s good to go. This just crept up. That’s why I said low back pain, discogenic back pain, herniated disc are on the equation, and now it’s a herniated disc.”

Best Case Scenario

“Best-case scenario is Philip Rivers. He had it, 2014, and took epidurals, finished the season, didn’t miss much time — a practice or two. Philip is the Ironman of all time — just saw him at the Hall of Fame stuff. Matt Stafford is the next Ironman in quarterbacks, right? And so that’s the good news side of it, but missing practice — not a big deal for Matt Stafford.”

Worst Case Scenario

“This is Tony Romo, who in the past had a herniated disc, had surgery, missed the end of the season, returned to play. That’s the worst-case scenario. Not saying that’s gonna happen.”

While Stafford’s herniated disc is a cause for concern, the severity and impact will depend on how his body responds to treatment, including possible epidural injections. The Rams are likely to proceed with caution, hoping to avoid surgery and preserve his availability for the regular season. As Dr. Chao notes, this is a condition that requires close monitoring, not panic. With the regular season approaching, Stafford’s status remains uncertain, but not yet alarming.

Stu Jackson@StuJRams
Sean McVay said QB Matthew Stafford (back) didn’t end up practicing today as expected because he didn’t feel good enough coming into today. Rams opted for cautious approach.

McVay said the will take things a day at a time with Stafford.

Credit where credit is due!

Stetson Bennett made some damn good NFL throws in game 1 of the preseason. Throws that you need to have pure confidence in taking. He stepped up for sure.

Xavier Smith made two fantastic catches on the highlight of Bennetts evening. pic.twitter.com/CTsKtJqznE

— RAMS ON FILM (@RamsOnFilm) August 10, 2025

from Albert Breer: https://www.si.com/nfl/rams-training-camp-2025-high-hopes-for-davante-adams-in-los-angeles

The defensive front might be the best in football. Jared Verse and Byron Young give the unit real strength on the edges, and rookie Josaiah Stewart is positioned to back them up. And the hope is that the Rams can get Braden Fiske and Kobie Turner attacking upfield more, with steady veteran nose Poona Ford capable of eating up blockers and taking hits off of them. Second-year man Tyler Davis and rookie Ty Hamilton should be part of the equation as well, as rotational run stoppers. Overall, the massive investment the Rams are making post–Aaron Donald in their front—-one that showed up in the playoffs in a big way—is paying off.

from NFL QB Tiers 2025: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6514160/2025/08/11/nfl-qb-rankings-tiers-2025-jackson-daniels/?campaign=14545341&source=athletic_targeted_email&userId=603890

Mike Sando

Quarterback Tiers results are in for 2025, with 50 NFL coaches and executives…The 2025 QB Tiers results are complete with commentary from the panel of 50 voters, who were granted anonymity to share candid evaluations. The panel comprised six general managers, six assistant GMs, six former GMs, five other executives, eight head coaches and 19 other coaches, including 15 coordinators.

Stafford = Tier 1, rank 5

“Every time I watch him, I go, ‘Whoa!’”

AGE: 37 HT: 6′ 3″ WT: 214

Stafford is making his Tier 1 debut at age 37 after 11 consecutive seasons in Tier 2. His ability to work through a back injury that has sidelined him in camp will be key.

“I always had a high admiration for him as a competitor, arm talent and playmaker, but always thought he was a gunslinger,” one voter said. “He still has that in him, but his mind, his ability to process, think and communicate stand out.”

Stafford’s ability to process and play from the pocket has long endeared him to offensive coaches who prefer to play that way.

“I guarantee all your 1s for Stafford came from offensive coaches,” a defensive coordinator said. “Offensive coaches kiss this guy’s ass all the time, especially guys from that system. He’s really good, though. I would take him over (Justin) Herbert because he is a better passer, with better timing.”

It wasn’t just offensive coaches pushing Stafford into Tier 1. Far from it. Three GMs, one assistant GM, three former GMs, four other personnel execs and seven defensive coordinators accounted for the bulk of Stafford’s 26 top-tier votes.

“That dude is something,” a defensive coordinator said. “Every time I watch him, I go, ‘Whoa!’ He is a high 2.”

This coordinator reconsidered when asked what was keeping Stafford from Tier 1.

“There is really nothing,” the coordinator replied. “He’s a 1. He’s that good. They are a play away from (the NFC Championship Game) last year. He worries the s— out of you.”

Rams Bros.@RamsBrothers
Some takeaways from last night:

• Bennett looks like a real NFL QB, full control of the offense. INT was a smart shot in single coverage, DB made a great play
• Jarquez Hunter has a very noticeable physical presence, definitely a different type of back vs. Kyren/Corum
• Rivers currently odd man out at RB with Schrader in the mix
• Josiah Stewart is going to be a great rotational pass rusher, get-off is undeniable
• Need larger sample size of guys like Dolac, Paul Jr.
• Rams have some fun young depth at DB: Woods, Wallace, Lampkin, Valcarcel

Steve Davies@Bladeswelove
This team is deep….the deepest I can recall in the McVay era. This could be a very special season.

Injury Updates: QB Matthew Stafford’s (back) workout plan, RB Ronnie Rivers (ribs) and TE Anthony Torres (ankle) ‘out for a little bit of time,’ WR Konata Mumpfield (ankle) cleared

Wyatt Miller

https://www.therams.com/news/injury-updates-qb-matthew-stafford-s-back-workout-plan-rb-ronnie-rivers-ribs-and-te-anthony-torres-ankle-out-for-a-little-bit-of-time-wr-konata-mumpfield-ankle-cleared

After the Rams’ 31-21 victory over the Cowboys to open the preseason, head coach Sean McVay updated local media on the team’s injuries.

Running back Ronnie Rivers (ribs) and tight end Anthony Torres (ankle) will both be “out for a little bit of time,” after sustaining injuries on Saturday. Meanwhile, seventh-round rookie wide receiver Konata Mumpfield, who left with an ankle injury late in the game, was cleared.

“He came in (this morning), was a little sore, but he’s not going to miss any time,” McVay said of Mumpfield. “And so that’s a positive and I was glad for him.”

After the game, McVay reported that quarterback Matthew Stafford would return to individual workouts on Monday. Stafford took part in a successful throwing workout prior to Saturday’s game, in which McVay said he “looked good” and had no limitations on the types of passes he distributed. He threw over 60 times.

On Sunday, McVay said that Stafford will do some a similar workout Monday and could possibly “ramp it up a little bit more.” He added that Stafford’s return to team drills will be based on how his individual workouts go, but they will explore that possibility this week.

“I think we’re going to take it a day at a time,” McVay said. “We have kind of those loose plans like we talked about, but I think we want to just be able to clear each hurdle and make sure we’re taking the appropriate steps. So I thought yesterday was a great step in the right direction.”

Willie Lampkin (5'11" 290) pancaking four Cowboys defenders in week 1 of preseason pic.twitter.com/pkbm7DoV86

— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) August 10, 2025

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Wee Willie Lampkin takes down Buddy Johnson. .. t 5-11 his leverage point is low … arches his back, drives his legs, chops feet. pic.twitter.com/qwhf4uiR7a

— Jim Youngblood 53 (@53_jim70721) August 10, 2025

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Willie Lampkin is his name… he’ll be on the 53 come week one…

via tt/draftdaytrade pic.twitter.com/wJSzkuPFa3

— Rams Tapes 🇵🇷 (@RamsTapes) August 10, 2025

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Game Recap: Cowboys fall to Rams, 31-21

Kurt Daniels
Editor of Dallas Cowboys Star Magazine / Dallas Cowboys Game Program

https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/game-recap-cowboys-fall-to-rams-31-21

INGLEWOOD, Calif. – The Brian Schottenheimer era is here as the new head coach guided the Dallas Cowboys in live game action for the first time. But with the team’s starters largely resting comfortably alongside him, his debut didn’t have the preferred outcome, Dallas falling to the Los Angeles Rams, 31-21.

Also making a debut in this one was Joe Milton, who was a bit hit-and-miss in his effort. The quarterback showed flashes of his immense talent, particularly his big arm, but there were just as many misfires as his accuracy proved to be an issue at times. Playing nearly the whole game, he completed 58.6 percent of his passes for 143 yards with a touchdown and an interception to finish with a 68.6 passer rating.

The ground game had better success, though, as the team averaged 5.5 yards per carry. Newly signed Malik Davis racked up 63 yards on seven attempts late in the game while rookie Phil Mafah totaled 36 yards on 10 tries. Mafah would have actually had more if not for some inopportune penalties negating his gains.

Defensively, the Cowboys got off to a shaky start but managed to settle down in the second and third frames, allowing only three points over those 30 minutes of game play. Of course, the unit gave up 28 points combined in the first and fourth quarters as Rams quarterback Stetson Bennett threw for 188 yards with a pair of touchdowns and an interception for a 100.7 rating.

Stopping the run, a problem for Dallas for the last couple seasons, didn’t exactly look any better in this exhibition tilt. Los Angeles stormed for 181 rushing yards on 38 carries, an average of 4.8 yards per carry.

First Quarter

There wasn’t much for Cowboys fans to cheer about in the opening frame as the Rams dominated both the time of possession, 13:26 to 1:34, and total yards, 160 to 1. Those lopsided numbers came thanks to LA drives of 11 plays and then 13, which both resulted in Blake Corum touchdown runs up the middle to give the home side an early 14-0 lead.

Meanwhile, Dallas struggled, going three-and-out on their two series in the quarter.

Second Quarter

The Cowboys’ time of possession and total yards flipped in the second quarter with the team working the clock, 12:06 to 2:54, and outgaining LA, 96 to minus-4. Unfortunately, they weren’t able to get into the end zone. Brandon Aubrey provided the team’s first points with a 35-yard field goal that wrapped up an 11-play 55-yard drive. This came despite Dallas committing five penalties during the drive, including illegal formation flags on right tackle Asim Richards on back-to-back plays.

And after the Dallas defense forced the Rams’ first three-and-out, Milton and company then came right back and began another trek deep into enemy territory, burning off the final 5:52 of the half. The quarterback had completions of 10, 16 and 20 yards and picked up the first down on a fourth-and-1 at LA’s 16.

But the offense could get no closer than the 7-yard line, again turning to Aubrey, whose 25-yarder as the clock hit zeroes narrowed the gap to 14-6 going into the break.

Third Quarter

The second half got underway with a trading of interceptions between the two teams. Milton threw deep into double-coverage, hoping to connect with wideout Ryan Flournoy. Instead, Rams cornerback Cam Lampkin came down with the ball in the end zone.

Not to worry, four plays into LA’s ensuing series, Cowboys cornerback Israel Mukuamu returned the favor, pulling down his own pick.

However, that early excitement didn’t last long as the only points in the quarter came via a Rams’ 37-yard field goal, which upped their advantage to 17-6 heading into the final 15 minutes.

Fourth Quarter

Los Angeles was on the move when the clocked ticked over into the fourth quarter and soon enough the Rams found themselves back in the end zone. Bennett dumped a pass off to running back Cody Shrader, who scampered across the goal line for the 9-yard completion and score.

While the outcome was basically decided, there were still valuable minutes to be played for those fighting for a spot on the Dallas roster. Most notably undrafted rookie free agents Traeshon Holden, a wide receiver out of Oregon, and former Auburn tight end Rivaldo Fairweather.

Seeing his first action of the game, Holden hauled in a 35-yard pass down the right sideline, Milton’s longest throw of the night, before Fairweather capped off the nine-play, 73-yard drive with a touchdown catch in the back-right corner of the end zone. Milton then found another undrafted rookie, Texas Tech wideout Josh Kelly, for the two-point conversion, the score now 24-14.

But the defensive players now in the game for the Cowboys didn’t have quite the same success. After LA returned the kickoff 38 yards to its own 41-yard line, Bennett needed only five plays to find Brennan Presley in the corner of the end zone for the touchdown.

Third-string quarterback Will Grier wound up seeing some action in the fourth quarter when Milton left the game after being sandwiched by a pair of Rams defenders. He appeared ready to rejoin the action, but with a little more than three minutes remaining, his night was done.

Grier managed to not only keep the offense moving, he took care of the scoring himself. On third-and-7 at the Rams’ 8, the quarterback rolled to his right, but unable to find an open target, he then sprinted across the goal line to wrap up the game’s scoring, 31-21.

***

Saturday served as an emotional day for Brian Schottenheimer as he lived out his life long dream of being an NFL head coach. A 31-21 loss to the Rams in the Cowboys’ preseason opener will serve as motivation for he and his team to be better moving forward.

It was an up and down day for second-year quarterback Joe Milton in his Cowboys debut. Details on Milton’s elbow injury, Brian Schottenheimer’s head coaching debut and more following a 31-21 loss to the Rams in the preseason opener.

When the Dallas Cowboys found themselves in trouble at RB due to injuries, they gave Malik Davis a call, and he showed vs. the Rams why that was smart.

Stetson Bennett and the Rams Delivered Victory Against the Cowboys
The Los Angeles Rams opened up their 2025 preseason with a dominant win

Brock Vierra

https://www.si.com/nfl/rams/los-angeles-stetson-bennett-blake-corum-dallas-cowboys

It was an interesting look for the Rams on offense. Mike LaFleur was named playcaller for the contest as AJ Acuri and David Quessenberry got the starts at the tackle position. This was Stetson Bennett’s moment and he came out firing. Bennett routinely found Xavier Smith and it was the special teams ace that proved he’s a dynamic weapon on offense.

It was the Stetson Bennett show in Inglewood.

On the first drive of the game, Bennett hit Smith deep downfield on 4th and six to set up the Rams in the red zone. While Dallas challenged the play, Smith clearly made a difficult reception, finding space for his feet in between the defender and the sideline.

Blake Corum would punch it in for a touchdown a few plays later.

After stopping a Joe Milton-led Dallas offense on their initial drive of the game, Bennett got back to work. After the Rams used a strong rushing attack to batter the Dallas interior, Smith once again burned Dallas deep, resulting in a defensive pass interference call in the red zone.

With Drake Stoops throwing some violent blocks that he was on the bad end of, Corum punched the ball in for his second score of the game, effectively ending his night. When given a moment of daylight, Corum was slicing through the defense like a hot knife through butter. The Dallas defense was melting.

Bennett started strong, having a career high in passing yards in one quarter with 114 yards. He would have had more if Smith wasn’t tackled on the DPI call.

This game was dictated by discipline with the Cowboys having none.

On the Cowboys next offensive drive, Milton threw a deep pass that Shaun Jolly committed defensive pass interferance on. The Cowboys, seemingly in control, would gain the first down. However, they would be backed up after the official, running on the sidelines, collided with CeeDee Lamb (who isn’t playing) as Lamb entered the restricted space.

Then Josh Wallace put the hit stick on Luke Schoonmaker, and was then controversially called for unsportsmanlike conduct for his post hit celebration. Jolly would then be called for a highly questionable DPI penalty again but Dallas would make multiple procedureal penalties before settling for a field goal.

Dallas was lucky as Charles Woods almost intercepted Milton for what would have been a pick six.

The Rams defense was strong with Shaun Dolac, Elias Neal, and Pooh Paul Jr making multiple plays. Dolac and Neal were strong in coverage while Paul was a tackling machine.

On offense, Bennett and the Rams began to stall out, not scoring again in the first half. The Rams defense would hold Dallas to a field goal to lead 14-3 at the break.

The Rams and Cowboys would trade interceptions to begin the second half. However, the Rams defense held strong to hold the Cowboys scoreless, with Malik Dixon-Williams hitting Joe Milton out of bounds a yard before the first down marker. That play was on fourth down, resulting in a turnover on downs.

Bennett would find his form on the following drive with Ronnie Rivers and Cody Schrader helping the Rams score with Bennett hitting Schrader for the score.

Milton would lead a drive downfield and after a heroic effort by the Rams run defense, Milton went to the air for the score. Dallas would convert the two point attempt.

That’s when the Rams locked in to end the game. Brennan Presley had a massive return on the insuing play with Cody Schrader running the Rams into the red zone. Bennett would throw his second touchdown of the game, putting the game on ice.

70 yards?! pic.twitter.com/8UMEI59T2W

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 10, 2025

Dare

This is the best Bennett has ever looked. I think when they drafted him they viewed him as another Russell Wilson undersized QB. He still needs work but it’s clear he’s much better this year. His mobility is a big advantage, I think we got a taste of how Sean would play him.

Leveston played LT the second half. For his first game he played well, of course he was going against backups but he didn’t look like Arcuri and McClendon did last year. He looks like he’s got better feet than McClendon. Arcuri played RT in the second half and was fine. KT looks like a decent run blocking OT. But it will be interesting how he looks the rest of preseason.

Bennett rolls left, has choice of three routes headed to the bench, he goes with Allen https://t.co/8iNPumwBGD pic.twitter.com/ZADUksUPCV

— Jim Youngblood 53 (@53_jim70721) August 10, 2025

4 telling observations from Stetson Bennett's preseason showing vs Cowboys #RamsHouse #LARams #Cowboys #StetsonBennett #CowboysVsRams #NFLPreseason2025 #Georgia
(via @milroyigglesfan)https://t.co/7SNX7aJXI0

— Ramblin' Fan (@RamblinFan) August 10, 2025

Stetson Bennett just turned A LOT of heads with his performance against the Cowboys.

Bennett finished the game going 16/24 (67%), for 188 passing yards, 2 passing TD’s, 1 INT, and a 100.7 passer rating.

Since training camp has started, Bennett has reportedly “taken significant… pic.twitter.com/CKV8iZeWTK

— Rookie Watch (@RookieWatxh) August 10, 2025

2nd HALF

Stu Jackson@StuJRams
Konata Mumpfield just caught a pass deflected by a Cowboys cornerback one-handed with his left hand on 2nd and 15. 18 yard gain. That was impressive

Brock Vierra@BrockVierra
After entering the fourth quarter in the red zone, the Rams navigated a holding penalty with Cody Schrader attacking Dallas on the ground and in the air, scoring a needed touchdown. Rams lead 24-6.

Rams Tapes 🇵🇷@RamsTapes
Ronnie Rivers OUT with a rib injury, Konata Mumpfield is questionable with an ankle injury.

ME (at moi.com). RB Cody Schrader just running all over Dallas in back half of the 4th quarter.

Ramblin’ Fan@RamblinFan
Cody Scrader, who already has a 9-yard TD reception. Has just exploded for 3 huge runs that piled up 51 yards

Cameron DaSilva@camdasilva
The Rams kept Cody Schrader on the 53 for the entire 2024 season after claiming him off waivers from the Niners. We’re seeing why today.

Brock Vierra@BrockVierra
BENNETT DOES IT AGAIN! After Cody Schrader ran through Dallas’ defense, following a big return by Brennan Presley, Bennett hit Presley off play action for a touchdown. Rams lead 31-14.

UNREAL interception from Rams 2024 UDFA Cam Lampkin 🤯

Watch live out-of-market games on #NFLPlus
Blackout restrictions may apply pic.twitter.com/t2jUFAQWgm

— NFL+ (@NFLPlus) August 10, 2025