Matthew Stafford hasn’t missed a single day of practice since returning to the field on Aug. 18, a great sign for the veteran quarterback and the Los Angeles Rams offense as a whole entering the regular season. He dealt with a back injury in camp and was sidelined for weeks but after receiving extensive treatment, which included an epidural, he’s good to go for Week 1.
The question now is, what happens when he gets hit? There are obviously concerns about his overall durability because of this aggravated disc in his back, but he’s not worried about it. He’s prepared to get hit and play a physical game against the Houston Texans on Sunday.
“I’m going to go play the game. Whatever happens, happens,” he said Wednesday. “I’m playing like I always play. I’ve got no issues with a physical game. Obviously, would love to stay as clean as possible, but I’m not thinking twice about that at all. I’m out there ready to go play.”
Stafford is as tough as any player in the NFL, playing through shoulder, elbow, back and finger injuries throughout his career. And that’s probably just scratching the surface of the injuries we know about.
But with back issues, they can be touch-and-go. He might feel great one day and worse the next. He might take a sack just fine one week and be in a lot of pain the next. He obviously feels healthy enough to play right now and hopefully that remains the case all season, but the Rams will likely monitor his back closely throughout the year.
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This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Matthew Stafford is ‘not thinking twice’ about his back when on the field
Reporting by Cameron DaSilva, Rams Wire / Rams Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
