Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford left Wednesday’s joint practice with the Dallas Cowboys early with a hamstring strain.
A Rams spokesman announced the injury to reportersThe severity of Stafford’s injury and his prognosis were not immediately clear. No Rams personnel spoke to reporters to discuss his condition.
By ESPNStafford was originally scheduled to speak to reporters after practice, but that news conference was canceled. Head coach Sean McVay did not have a news conference scheduled and did not speak to reporters.
Backups Jimmy Garoppolo and Stetson Bennett finished practice at quarterback. Garoppolo is suspended for the first two games of the season due to a violation of the league’s performance-enhancing substance policy.
Cause for concern for the Rams?
Stafford, 36, led the Rams to a Super Bowl victory following the 2021 season. He was named to the Pro Bowl for the second time in his career in 2023. Stafford completed 62.6% of his passes for 3,965 yards with 24 touchdowns and 11 interceptions a year after being limited to nine games in 2022 due to neck and elbow injuries and a concussion.
The Rams went 10-7 last season and made the playoffs as a wild-card team, and they look to challenge the San Francisco 49ers for the NFC West crown in 2024. Stafford’s health is key to any hopes of returning to the postseason.
The Rams have preseason games remaining against the Cowboys and Houston Texans before opening their regular season on Sept. 8 against the reigning NFC North champion Detroit Lions.