Rams QB Stafford Out Of Joint Practice With Cowboys Due To Back Injury

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is dealing with a back injury that has sidelined him from practice and will keep him out of the upcoming joint practice against the Dallas Cowboys. Coach Sean McVay described Stafford's status as "week-to-week" and noted that while Stafford is making good progress and everything appears in good shape after seeing a back specialist, there is no clear timeline for his return to practice. In Stafford's absence, Jimmy Garoppolo has taken over first-team reps, and Stetson Bennett is running the second-unit offense. The Rams are taking a cautious approach to Stafford's recovery, aiming to have him ready for the season opener against the Houston Texans on September 7, but he is unlikely to participate much, if at all, in early August practices. Other players such as rookie tight end Terrance Ferguson and defensive lineman Kobie Turner are also dealing with injuries, impacting the team's training camp preparations.