Rams Nearly Put Matthew Stafford on IR Due to Severe Back Injury Before Stellar 2025 Season
Matthew Stafford almost faced a significant setback at the start of the 2025 NFL season when the Los Angeles Rams considered placing him on injured reserve due to a severe back injury. This revelation came from Rams coach Sean McVay, who shared insights during an interview on the Bussin' With The Boys podcast. Stafford missed the first month of training camp after reporting on July 22 but only began practicing on August 18. McVay expressed that they were deeply concerned about Stafford's condition, stating, "We're playing in London against Jacksonville [in Week 7]. Matthew comes to me before the game, and he goes, 'How about this?'... We were nervous as hell." The turning point for Stafford came with the help of a $160,000 futuristic wellness device known as the Ammortal Chamber, which he utilized throughout the season to aid his recovery. Despite the odds, Stafford not only avoided IR but also delivered a remarkable season, achieving a 3-1 record in the first four games. Had Stafford been sidelined, the implications for both the Rams and the Houston Texans could have been profound. A loss in Week 1 might have altered playoff standings, potentially shifting matchups in the wildcard round. As he prepares for his 18th season, uncertainty looms over Stafford's longevity in the league, especially after the Rams selected quarterback Ty Simpson in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft as a precautionary measure. With a fresh one-year, $55 million extension, Stafford remains the starter, but the Rams are clearly positioning for the future, aware that his back injury could resurface at any time.
Source: CBS Sports - 2026-05-22