The Detroit Lions were one of the first teams to report to training camp this summer, as they participated in the 2025 Hall of Fame Game. The past few weeks have been about fine-tuning the roster, and it already seems like rookie WR Isaac TeSlaa is coming to take a veteran's job after a strong showing so far.
While that is what is capturing the attention of the Lions fanbase, former QB Matthew Stafford is dealing with an injury with the Los Angeles Rams.
According to Ian Rapoport, Stafford has an aggravated disc in his back and has received an epidural to help deal with the pain. The Rams are calling him week-to-week but are optimistic he can return Week 1.
Sources: #Rams QB Matthew Stafford is dealing with an aggravated disc and has received an epidural to help him deal with it.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 6, 2025
Los Angeles has called him week-to-week, being cautious, but with plans for him to be ready for Week 1. pic.twitter.com/wpj0Uqghax
Former Lions QB Matthew Stafford Dealing with Back Injury
Even though the Rams are saying all the right things, it's something to worry about. Stafford has yet to practice at all during training camp, and that isn't the best for a 37-year-old QB. While he's been in the league for 16 seasons, he still needs time to ramp up in the summer and get ready for the brutal NFL season.
This also isn't the first time that Stafford has dealt with a back injury. Back in 2022, he missed time due to a spinal cord contusion.
With Stafford on the sideline, the Rams have Jimmy Garoppolo taking the QB1 reps in his place. Los Angeles also added Davante Adams in free agency, and Stafford's time away from the field is eating away at the rapport these two can build.
He has been a tough QB over the course of his career, but as players get older, these types of things have a bigger effect. Having a back injury isn't easy to deal and it appears that Stafford will have to get used to playing with it in 2025.
The Georgia product contemplated retirement for the last two offseasons before ultimately deciding to return. He even got a two-year, $84 million extension with Los Angeles and is slated to make $44 million for the 2025 season.
The Rams gave him a nice extension to keep him around, but depending on how bad Stafford's back is, that could end up being a deal that they live to regret.
They are sticking to the course and remain confident he'll be ready for Week 1, yet it sounds like this back injury will bother Stafford for the foreseeable future.