The Rams were supposed to enter 2025 riding a wave of optimism. After a sluggish start last year, Matthew Stafford led a second-half surge that saw Los Angeles go 10-7, take the NFC West from the Seahawks, and even grab a playoff win over the Vikings. Through all the bumps, injuries to Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp, a battered O-line, and his physical toll, Stafford still threw for 3,762 yards, 20 touchdowns, and just eight interceptions.
But now, before the season even starts, a cloud hangs over L.A.
Matthew Stafford Injury, Social Media Reacts to News
Stafford is dealing with an aggravated disc in his back that popped up recently. He managed to get in a throwing session recently, but his body didn’t respond as the team hoped.
By Monday, he was in street clothes, watching practice from the sidelines instead of running it. The Rams say they’re taking it “day-to-day,” with Sean McVay confirming Stafford even spent time in a restorative chamber to speed recovery.
On paper, it’s just August. In reality, Rams fans are nervous.
Rams QB Matthew Stafford (back) is in street clothes today. Expectation was he would return to practice today
— Adam Grosbard (@AdamGrosbard) August 11, 2025
Social media lit up almost instantly after McVay’s latest update. One fan simply posted, “Something is up.”
Something is up
— Ankur (@_Jack_notbox) August 11, 2025
Another didn’t hold back, “Herniated disc ain’t no joke. No way he plays all the games, I’ll give him 9.”
Bro is not playing at a high level this year . Herniated disc ain’t no joke. No way he playing all the games I’ll give him 9
— Gil (@xgil4x4) August 11, 2025
Others aimed for McVay’s track record of optimism. “Lesson to be learned. Never believe one word McVay says,” one user said.
Lesson to be learned. Never believe one word Mcvay says.
— ChrisSmith8013 (@Christo13542265) August 11, 2025
Some see the bigger risk. One fan summed it up like this, “The guy could tweak his back anytime. He could be carrying groceries, move the wrong way, and be out for weeks.”
There was a chance the epidural would not work. What I hate about this entire back situation is the guy could tweak his back anytime now. He could be carrying in groceries, move the wrong way, and be out for weeks.
— Tropicana (@STOCKICANA) August 11, 2025
However, some think it might be nothing to lose sleep over.
A calmer voice chimed in, “Good thing he still has a month before this question even matters.” Another jabbed at the overreaction, saying, “Stafford has been playing with a broken back since the Obama administration, and people are acting like his resting in camp is breaking news.”
Will Stafford Be Ready for Week 1?
Both sides have a point. Stafford has played through pain for most of his career, and toughness has never been his issue. But back injuries are different; they linger, they flare up without warning, and they don’t care how many seasons you’ve gutted out before. For a 36-year-old quarterback, one wrong twist could change an entire year.
MORE: What Happened to Matthew Stafford? Latest on Rams QB’s Injury That’s Sidelined Him For Training Camp, Preseason
For now, the Rams are sticking to “day-to-day.” That sounds reassuring, but it’s not the same as “ready for Week 1.” Until Stafford is back under center and slinging passes like usual, the whispers and the worry aren’t going anywhere.