Rams' biggest Matthew Stafford question is same concern from last season

Rams’ biggest Matthew Stafford question is same concern from last season originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Los Angeles Rams are entering the 2026 season as about as all-in as a team can get without completely mortgaging their future.

Myles Garrett and Trent McDuffie are big trade pickups, and with a stacked roster capable of going to the Super Bowl, the 2026 season should be the Rams’ year. But there is one major question surrounding Matthew Stafford.

ESPN’s Dan Graziano called out Stafford’s back injury, which was a major concern coming into the season last year, as the biggest question for the Rams QB in 2026. It’s a real concern, especially without a proper backup in place.

Rams have same Matthew Stafford injury question as a year ago

“What happens if Matthew Stafford gets hurt?” Graziano writes. “… What am I so worried about? Well, Setafford is 28 years old. He managed his back issue well, but it’s still something to be monitored…”

The Rams quarterback came into the 2025 season with lingering back problems that were a serious cause for concern. But he played through it, having an MVP season, and nearly led the Rams to another Super Bowl title.

Since Stafford played through that issue last season, why shouldn’t fans be confident he could do the same in 2026? Well, back issues can be tricky, and it’s not unrealistic for Stafford to have gotten a bit lucky to avoid missing time last year due to this back issue.

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But it’s not simply that Stafford might miss some time; it’s that if he does, the Rams will have to turn to some less-than-ideal options.

Stetson Bennett IV is the most senior of the backup options, with controversial No. 13 overall pick Ty Simpson a big unknown for the Rams in 2026.

With the lackluster backup quarterback options in case of a Stafford injury, which is more possible with him than most other QBs due to his age and back issues, this is a big question that Stafford and the Rams must answer this season.

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