In 2025, the Los Angeles Rams were without quarterback Matthew Stafford for their joint practices against the Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints, as he was dealing with a back issue. On Tuesday, Stafford practiced against the Cowboys in a joint exercise, which was an important day for him and the rest of the Rams’ starters.
After practice, he was asked by reporters if he had a newfound appreciation for practicing and going through the process after being forced to the sidelines one year ago.
“Obviously, I love getting out here and practicing with the guys,” said Stafford. “We’re doing everything we can to have a plan that’s appropriate and helps me and our team be as good as we can possibly be when it’s time to go play Week 1. I think the biggest thing for me is… last year was tough just emotionally. I wanted to be out there and not knowing if I was going to be able to play Week 1, Week 2 or Week 3. I didn’t know any of it, so not having to go through that this time of year is nice.”
Before Stafford ended up making a surprising comeback, he was a candidate for injured reserve. Instead of missing the first four games of 2025, he started all 17 on his way to winning MVP honors. With more time to prepare, Stafford could be on his way to a better season in 2026.
As for the practice, Stafford stated he enjoys not playing against his own defense, while complimenting the performance of his unit.
“I thought we did some good things,” said Stafford. “There are going to be things to clean up, but that’s every practice. I thought our guys up front played really well, the run game.”
Stafford and the Rams are set to participate in one more joint practice this preseason, hosting the Saints next week.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Matthew Stafford happy to be practicing after missing all of 2025 camp
Reporting by Brock Vierra, Rams Wire / Rams Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Brock Vierra, Rams Wire | USA TODAY Network
