Rams Sean McVay Reveals 'Proactive' Approach to Matthew Stafford Health
The first day back in pads for the Los Angeles Rams may have confused fans when starting quarterback Matthew Stafford didn't suit up for practice.
Yet, his absence, which was only on the field as he was still with the team and even seen providing advice to the younger quarterbacks on the roster at certain points, was all part of the plan for the Rams.
"It's as simple as this, when we get into this season, he'll be throwing about four times out of every seven days, and he won't miss another practice in training camp, ..." Rams coach Sean McVay said of Stafford. "We actually wanted to do it this way as well. Where we were very heavy run emphasis today, the first day that we put on pads, because of the way that first window of time set up, and then with him returning tomorrow, it kind of kept in alignment with four of every seven days."
So that is the "plan" for the 35-year-old quarterback. Essentially, the Rams are doing everything they can to keep Stafford's arm warm but not overused. Like pitchers in baseball, the Rams don't want Stafford throwing the football around seven days a week; they need his arm to rest and recover.
These injury-preventative measures come after a season where Stafford struggled through multiple injuries, which included an elbow injury where the one-time Super Bowl-winning signal-caller said he could "barely throw" the football at one point last season.
While Stafford shut down the rumors of retirement this offseason, he is nearing the end of his career and is already seeing the effects of the wear and tear of playing in the NFL for 14 seasons.
Neither the Rams nor Stafford are ready to see him ride off into the sunset, so they are being "proactive not reactive," as McVay said regarding how he'll manage the quarterback's health.
Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Rams? Click Here
Want to join in on the discussion? Click here to become a member of the Ram Digest message board community today!
Follow Ram Digest on Twitter and Facebook.
Follow Harrison Reno on Twitter
Want even more L.A. Rams news? Check out the SI.com team page here.
