The Rams’ training camp just got a little quieter, and for good reason. Sean McVay dropped an update on Matthew Stafford that wasn’t exactly what fans hoped to hear, but one that makes perfect sense when you think about it.

Stafford won’t be back on the field next week as originally expected. No setback, just the Rams being smart with their 37-year-old quarterback. After all, why rush things when the real prize is September 7 against the Texans? McVay made it clear this isn’t about rehab; it’s about preservation. Stafford’s been here before, and so have the Rams. They know exactly what they’re doing.

“I feel good about it, too,“ McVay said, his tone calm but firm. “You know, you can’t be smart enough with him. And going into year 17, we were going to take a modified approach so he can feel as good physically, mentally, and emotionally anyways.“ He paused, then added with a knowing nod, “We did that in the offseason. I thought he was awesome. Had a little bit of soreness creep up. And so, you know, Reggie has confirmed, and Matthew the same, that he should be good to go in a couple days.”

The numbers tell part of the story – Matthew Stafford‘s 3,762 yards and 20 touchdowns last year prove he’s still got it – but the other part is written in medical reports. Over the last three seasons, he’s battled everything from a spinal cord contusion to thumb and hip sprains. The man is tough, but the Rams aren’t taking chances, not with $44 million guaranteed this season riding on his health. McVay’s plan? Week-to-week updates, no unnecessary risks, and a quarterback who’s fully charged when it matters.

“He’s a lead competitor, but he’s also so damn smart where he understands the intent of why we’re doing it,” McVay said, grinning as it was Matthew Stafford’s stubbornness that was both a blessing and a curse. “That doesn’t mean he doesn’t want to partake in every single thing.“ The same goes for guys like Davante, Rob Havenstein, and Tyler Higbee – veterans who hate being held back but trust the process. And that trust? It’s everything 

Matthew Stafford and Davante are elevating the Rams’ offense

McVay can’t hide his excitement when discussing his new quarterback-receiver duo. “People ask how much chemistry they really need,“ he says about Stafford and Adams, before answering his question. “What’s cool is the passion they share.“ The connection between the 17-year veteran QB and the All-Pro wideout has been immediate, with their combined football IQ creating an instant on-field language. “They’re both so smart,“ McVay emphasizes, shaking his head at how quickly they’ve developed their rapport.

The mutual respect runs deep – forged through years as NFC North rivals and now elevated through constant football conversations. “They have so many experiences to draw from,“ McVay notes, watching them dissect coverages together. Adams already marvels at Stafford’s fearlessness: “He doesn’t care what that coverage says.“ Meanwhile, Matthew Stafford praises Adams’ veteran understanding of leverage and spacing. Their film study extends beyond practice, with text exchanges about route concepts continuing late into the night.

McVay sees something special unfolding: “You’re watching two Hall of Famers still in their prime.“ The ripple effects are already evident across the offense, with Adams mentoring young receivers like Puka Nacua while he and Stafford raise the entire unit’s level.