Matthew Stafford returned to Rams practice, marking the clearest signal yet that his back recovery is progressing. He practiced again the next day, taking 26 snaps in team drills and finishing without setbacks, a strong sign that the Rams are trending toward Week 1 availability. The team stressed a day-by-day approach, emphasizing that a definitive timeline remains fluid as they monitor any additional back or disc-related issues.

Alaric Jackson is aligning for Week 1 availability, with Shawn McVey calling him a cornerstone and noting the coaching staff’s emphasis on pace and safety as he ramps up. The Rams’ offensive line depth appears improved, a factor the broadcast highlighted alongside a Pro Football Focus blocking metric that put the unit atop the league even without starting linemen in the preseason. roster moves also loomed: Kaire Thomas was placed on injured reserve, Mario Williams was waived injured, and Mike Mallister was added to bolster depth, underscoring a plan to protect Stafford and stabilize the front five for the Houston opener.

Alongside the Stafford and Jackson updates, the show touched on Willie Lamin Jr. and the broader lines, illustrating the delicate balance of health, depth, and performance as camp winds down. The Rams’ strategy centers on sustainable progression, with the organization’s medical and coaching staffs navigating the fine line between aggressive ramp-up and long-term health, all while preparing to maximize Stafford’s ceiling once Week 1 rolls around.

Week 2 of the preseason sharpened the NFL’s early-season questions: Trey Hendrickson’s trade market kept Bengals fans guessing as Cincinnati weighs a first-round plus young player package, while Cleveland’s QB carousel took a sharp turn with Joe Flacco named Week 1 starter amid health and roster considerations. Los Angeles is steering through Stafford’s back and Alaric Jackson’s blood-clot woes, hobbling protection and elevating backup plans. Washington’s backfield storylines surfaced around Brian Robinson and a shrewd rookie move, and Chicago’s Caleb Williams chatter highlighted how Ben Johnson’s timing-driven approach might accelerate Bears development. The undercurrent: fantasy managers must parse auspicious but fragile preseason signals into real-week decisions, especially in pass rush and quarterback depth, where contracts, age, and health all tilt the odds for fantasy points and rosters.

Hendrickson’s production over the last two seasons—leading the league in sacks with 35 across the span—has teams eyeing a potential August trade, but the market’s price is steep: a first-round pick and a young defender or draft currency, all while Cincinnati contends with cap realities and the worry of losing a cornerstone edge rusher. In Cleveland, Flacco’s Week 1 start reopens intrigue around Dylan Gabriel and Shador Sanders-style development plans, forcing fantasy rosters to consider a potential four-QB throat—if the Browns truly keep four, the waiver wire and late-season pivots gain priority. Stafford’s health is the Rams’ major domino; with a back issue and a left tackle situation looming, fantasy managers should monitor practice reports and backup options like Garoppolo, who could influence Week 1 game scripts and playtime allocations. Washington’s Brian Robinson Jr. faces a cheaper, high-upside run game dynamic with a promising seventh-round rookie in the mix, suggesting a split workload that could juice vs. improve in the late preseason. Caleb Williams’ showcase for the Bears adds a rock-star flavor to the offense’s potential ceiling, but the quarterback alliance with Ben Johnson’s system will require patience as timing and decision-making tighten.

Matthew Stafford's recent contract renegotiation with the Los Angeles Rams and its implications for Cooper Kupp are critical talking points. Stafford's deal, which provides him a substantial raise in 2025 while avoiding additional years, bolsters the Rams' quarterback situation but raises concerns for Kupp's future. Analysts speculate whether Kupp's prior connection to Stafford could lead him to join the Raiders or Giants, but current indications suggest that his time with the Rams may be coming to an end.

Additionally, Alaric Jackson's re-signing signifies the team's commitment to strengthening their offensive line, crucial for protecting Stafford. The Rams face tough decisions moving forward, especially regarding Kupp's contract, as they balance cap space and the need for a competitive roster. As the team navigates free agency and the draft, the focus remains on optimizing their offensive potency, questioning whether they can do this without Kupp.

With the NFL offseason heating up, the focus now shifts to potential under-the-radar free agent signings for the Green Bay Packers. Andy Herman breaks down a list of ten intriguing options that could bolster the Packers' roster.

Highlighting the standout players, Alaric Jackson, an offensive tackle from the L.A. Rams, tops the list. After an impressive season, he could be a valuable asset for Green Bay's offensive line. Other notable mentions include veteran linebacker Lavonte David from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who could provide mentorship to the younger linebacker corps, and Jedrick Wills, an offensive lineman with first-round pedigree, looking for a fresh start. The list also touches on wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, tight end Hunter Long, and several others that offer depth and versatility. Each selection reflects a strategic approach to strengthening the team without breaking the bank.

Aller Jackson's future with the Los Angeles Rams is in the spotlight as the franchise discusses its offseason strategy and impending free agency. The undrafted left tackle had a solid season, finishing with a 78.3 PFF grade, showcasing his reliability on the line despite early struggles. While the Rams have historically shied away from utilizing the franchise tag, Jackson's market value presents a dilemma. Should they franchise tag him at $24 million or negotiate a more favorable contract? The decision hinges on the Rams' valuation of Jackson and the availability of top-tier left tackles in both free agency and the draft.

Furthermore, the Rams are reportedly eyeing potential free agents to bolster their lineup, with names like Keenan Allen linked to the franchise. While bringing in a proven veteran could help the team, the effectiveness of recent free agency efforts may call for a more cautious approach. The upcoming offseason will test the Rams' ability to balance retention and fresh talent acquisition effectively as they aim to rebuild for the future.