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Rams to Start Matthew Stafford in Week 1 vs. Texans After Back Injury Layoff

Practicing without a designation, the 37-year-old says he will “go play” against a Texans pass rush that will test his back.

Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams before the NFL Preseason 2025 game between Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on August 09, 2025 in Inglewood, California
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Rams head coach Sean McVay speaks in a press conference after a preseason game against the Cleveland Browns on Aug. 23, 2025, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
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Overview

  • Sean McVay confirmed Stafford will start Sunday, and the quarterback was absent from the Rams’ initial injury report, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
  • Stafford missed nearly a month of camp with an aggravated disc and followed a conservative, specialist-guided plan that included an epidural before returning to full practices.
  • The opener presents an immediate stress test, with Houston featuring elite rushers Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter and finishing second in interceptions last season.
  • Left tackle Alaric Jackson rejoined practice this week after summer-long blood clots, giving Los Angeles a key protector back for the opener, the Associated Press reported.
  • With durability still a season-long concern noted by analysts, the Rams have veteran Jimmy Garoppolo and Stetson Bennett prepared as contingency options behind Stafford.