Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford left Wednesday’s joint practice with the Dallas Cowboys early with hamstring tightness.
A Rams spokesperson announced the injury to beat reporters. The extent of Stafford’s injury and prognosis weren’t initially clear. Nobody from the Rams spoke with reporters to expound on his condition.
Per ESPN, Stafford was initially slated to speak with reporters after practice. That news conference was canceled. Head coach Sean McVay did not have a news conference scheduled and did not speak with reporters.
Backups Jimmy Garoppolo and Stetson Bennett finished the practice session at quarterback. Garoppolo is suspended for the first two games of the season because of a violation of the league’s performance-enhancing substance policy.
Cause for concern for Rams?
Stafford, 36, led the Rams to a Super Bowl victory after the 2021 season. He made his second career Pro Bowl in 2023. Stafford completed 62.6% of his passes for 3,965 yards with 24 touchdowns and 11 interceptions a year after being limited to nine games in 2022 due to neck and elbow injuries and a concussion.
The Rams went 10-7 last season and made the playoffs as a wild-card team, and are looking to challenge the San Francisco 49ers for the NFC West crown in 2024. Stafford’s health is key to any hopes of a return to the postseason.
The Rams have preseason games remaining against the Cowboys and Houston Texans before opening their regular season on Sept. 8 against the reigning NFC North champion Detroit Lions.
