Sean McVay should be concerned about Matthew

Sean McVay claims he’s not concerned about star quarterback Matthew Stafford’s back challenge.

The Rams coach stated so three totally different occasions Saturday during a post-practice information convention. He added a “it does not worry me” for good measure.

But how might it not?

Stafford, 37, has not practiced since the Rams opened coaching camp while receiving remedy from trainers and the workforce medical employees for what McVay initially described as back soreness.

McVay stated final Tuesday that Stafford would sit out the first block of practices, but return on Monday when the Rams will be in pads for the first time.

Not so fast.

McVay stated Stafford wouldn’t observe next week, and that his standing would be evaluated “a week at a time.”

“I don’t have any reason to be concerned, based on the information that’s been given,” McVay stated. “And with that being said I don’t think we can be smart enough with somebody like Matthew, and I think it’s best for him and best for our football team.”

McVay stated the Rams have been “being fluid” with the state of affairs after consulting with Stafford, Reggie Scott — the Rams’ vice president of sports activities medication and efficiency — and Dr. Robert Watkins, a backbone specialist.

Jimmy Garoppolo will proceed to take first workforce reps as the Ram put together for their Sept. 7 opener against the Houston Texans.

During the first three practices, Stafford was nowhere to be seen. McVay stated the quarterback was working with trainers in different areas at Loyola Marymount. On Saturday, Stafford noticed observe for the first time, though not while carrying his No. 9 jersey. When he really takes a snap or throws a go stays to be seen.

Until then, uncertainty about his situation will proceed to forged a pall over a workforce that with a bodily sound Stafford would be regarded as a official Super Bowl contender.

This is the second time in 4 years a back drawback has sidelined Stafford, who through 16 NFL seasons has been one of the league’s grittiest quarterbacks.

In 2022, Stafford was restricted all through coaching camp because of an elbow challenge. He was prepared for the opener — a blowout loss against the Buffalo Bills — but missed the ultimate seven video games because of a spinal contusion as the Rams stumbled through the worst Super Bowl hangover in NFL historical past.

Last spring, after Stafford and the Rams explored commerce eventualities, the workforce and the veteran agreed to phrases on an adjusted contract that offers Stafford a $47.5-million salary-cap quantity this season, according to Overthecap.com.

McVay doesn’t play starters during preseason video games, so Stafford still has loads of time to put together for the opener.

But until he’s on the sphere and throwing passes, the Rams can not be optimistic about their possibilities of enhancing upon final season, which ended with an NFC divisional-round loss to the eventual Super Bowl-champion Philadelphia Eagles.

With receivers Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, working back Kyren Williams, and a protection led by lineman Kobie Turner and edge rusher Jared Verse, the Rams appeared positioned to make a run at a third Super Bowl look in eight seasons.

But that projection only works with a healthy Stafford in the equation.

Regardless of McVay’s messaging, that has to be a concern.

Etc.

Verse took off his helmet and threw it to the ground before tussling with offensive lineman Justin Dedich. McVay later stopped observe to remind gamers to keep away from conditions that might consequence in penalties. … Garoppolo related with Adams and receiver Jordan Whittington on long landing performs. … Stetson Bennett threaded an spectacular go to receiver Drake Stoops in tight protection against the first-team protection.