Stafford on his back injury: "It's not cut and dry what's what and how you're going to feel."

The Los Angeles Rams are set to start quarterback Matthew Stafford in their season opener against the Houston Texans, marking a significant milestone in his recovery from back injuries.

Why it matters: Stafford's return is crucial for the Rams' offensive scheme, which relies heavily on his experience and ability to read defenses.

  • His leadership on the field will be vital as the Rams aim to establish a strong offensive identity early in the season.
  • The team struggled without him last year, highlighting his critical role in their success.

What’s new: After missing nearly a month of training camp due to an aggravated disk issue, Stafford has fully participated in practice since August 18.

  • Entering his 17th NFL season at age 37, he is just 191 passing yards shy of reaching the prestigious milestone of 60,000 career passing yards.
  • Achieving this landmark would place him among an elite group of only nine quarterbacks in NFL history.

Yes, but: Concerns linger about Stafford's health and his ability to sustain performance throughout the season.

  • "Backs are sometimes interesting things," he stated, reflecting the unpredictable nature of such injuries.
  • Coach Sean McVay has emphasized a day-to-day approach to managing Stafford's condition, demonstrating caution as they proceed.

What to watch: Alongside Stafford, left tackle Alaric Jackson is also expected to play despite dealing with lower leg blood clots.

  • Jackson's previous bout with similar issues caused him to miss the final nine games of the prior season, raising questions about his endurance and effectiveness.
  • McVay expressed confidence in Jackson's capabilities, suggesting that the Rams will be at their best with him on the field.

The bottom line: The combination of a healthy Stafford and a reliable Jackson could provide the Rams with a much-needed boost as they look to navigate the challenges of the upcoming season.

  • With Stafford's wealth of experience and Jackson's potential to protect his blind side, the Rams hope to establish a formidable offense capable of competing in a challenging NFC West division.
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