Matthew Stafford's aching back is on the mend as the 2025 regular season approaches.
The 37-year-old Los Angeles Rams starting quarterback took part in practice sessions throughout this week. On Thursday, he said he’s doing “everything under the sun it feels like” to be ready for the upcoming season when the Rams kick off on Sept. 7 against the Texans.
"Doing everything we can to try to get to feeling as good as I can,” Stafford told reporters. “... Just really everything I could possibly do. Done a ton of research just trying to help myself out. Good things is I feel pretty good the last couple of days out there practicing. Was able to do a little bit more than I thought I was going to be able to do the first day, and then just been trying to stack days."
Stafford missed much of the early portion of training camp after beginning to feel discomfort in his back during training sessions over the summer. The veteran declined to specify whether he is still managing this discomfort or confirm his availability for Week 1.
“I’m not going to answer questions like that,” he said, via the Los Angeles Times. “… It’s probably a day-to-day thing. I’m just doing everything I can to try and be out there for the next practice.”
Returning likely includes using a "restorative and rejuvenation" mobile vehicle parked at the Rams' facility, which Stafford entered during a practice he missed.
After several days of practice, Stafford said he’s feeling well.
“The good thing is I feel pretty good,” he said. “The last couple days out there practicing, I was able to do even more than I thought I was going to be able to do the first day, and then I’ve just been trying to stack days. ... Backs are sometimes interesting things. It’s not cut and dry, what’s what and how you’re going to feel.”
Sean McVay said on Thursday that he didn’t notice much of a difference from the Pro Bowl quarterback.
“He’s looked like the stud we know,” the coach said, via the team's official website. “From what I see, there’s no restrictions, and he’s playing at a really high level. I’ve seen a guy that’s gotten better and better.”
Stafford will not travel to Cleveland for Saturday’s final preseason game, which starts at 1 p.m. ET on NFL Network.