'No Limitations': Rams QB Matthew Stafford To Be Full Go For Training Camp
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford had a rough 2022.
In just nine games, and with a shorthanded offensive line for the majority of that time, Stafford was battered, bruised, and eventually knocked out for the year with a spinal contusion.
Not to mention, he was already dealing with a nagging elbow injury that dated back to the middle of the 2021 season.
However, according to head coach Sean McVay, those injury problems are now a thing of the past, and Stafford will be a full-go for OTAs, minicamps, and training camp this spring.
“There will be no limitations," McVay said. "He’ll be ready to roll.”
Not only that, but McVay also revealed that this may be the first offseason in quite some time that Stafford will be fully healthy through an offseason.
And of course, Stafford is already taking advantage of that fact.
“He’s doing real well. It’s been a long time since he’s been healthy through an offseason, where he’s been able to throw,” McVay said at the NFL Owners Meetings in Arizona. “I was just with him the other morning where he was in there early, working, being able to do the things that are in alignment with preparing for the season. But he’s doing really well."
That is saying a lot, as in his first year with the Rams, despite facing issues with injury the previous offseason, Stafford led the Rams to a Super Bowl win, with 4,886 yards (the third most of his career) and a career-high tying 41 touchdowns.
He also, at the time, had tied his career-best completion percentage at 67.2 percent.
However, in 2022, those numbers decreased dramatically for Stafford, throwing for just 2,087 yards and 10 touchdowns with eight picks. His 231.9 yards per game was also his lowest yards per game average since 2010.
Obviously, there were a variety of factors that resulted in the down year from Stafford, who played in less than 16 games for just the second time since the 2010 season.
However, according to McVay, it appears as if those struggles have done nothing but motivate the 35-year-old.
"Last year there was such a unique combination and collaboration of things that prevented him from being able to play the way that he’s capable of. So, I think there’s a lot of guys on our team that will have a renewed sense of urgency. He’s certainly one of those guys and we’re a lot better football team with him going.”
Stafford and the Rams will hit the field for offseason workouts beginning April 17.
Only this time, they'll have a healthy Stafford in tow.
You can follow Matt Galatzan on Twitter @MattGalatzan
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