:Rams head coach Sean McVay noted earlier this week that quarterback Matthew Stafford would miss the early part of training camp but return during the second phase. However, Stafford won’t rejoin team drills in the upcoming week.

On Saturday, McVay offered an update on Stafford’s back soreness, assuring that the veteran quarterback has not experienced any setback in his recovery. Still, Stafford will remain limited to side work for now.

“Our top priority is the opener against Houston,” McVay said in a video shared by the team. “So we’ll monitor him on a week-to-week basis. After discussing it with [sports medicine and performance SVP] Reggie [Scott], Matthew, and Dr. [Robert] Watkins, this is the best course of action. Week to week is the best approach.”

“I’m not worried. We’re keeping Week 1 in mind, and this seems like the right strategy for him.”

Now 37 years old, Stafford is heading into his fifth season with the Rams. He stayed healthy throughout 2024, with the team resting him in Week 18 after locking up the NFC West. He ended the season completing 65.8% of passes for 3,762 yards, 20 touchdowns, and eight interceptions.

The Rams already have a plan in place to help Stafford get through another complete season, and this cautious start is part of it.

They intend to manage his involvement in camp with care.

McVay admitted he should’ve described Stafford’s situation as “week to week” earlier when disclosing the injury.

“I’m not concerned,” McVay said of Stafford’s delayed team involvement. “I probably should’ve said from the beginning that it’s a weekly process, but there’s no new cause for worry. That said, we need to be smart with someone like Matthew. It’s the best thing for him and for our team.

That’s our approach going forward. It might catch some off guard, but I wanted to update you as things evolve. There’s no new issue—just making sure he’s ready for the Sept. 7 opener. That’s our main objective.”