Matthew Stafford returned to Rams practice this week after an aggravated back issue halted his Camp. Day II showed progress, with Sean McVay saying Stafford stacked another positive day and could steadily ramp up as the opener vs Houston approaches. The plan remains cautious, with Week 1 status still up in the air as the team prioritizes health over urgency.

Garoppolo and Bennett provide veteran backup depth, but the Rams will lean on Stafford if he’s able. Stafford’s 2023 was solid (3,762 yards, 65.8% completion) and the team expects his accuracy and pocket movement to unlock the passing game again. If Stafford stacks days, Rams pass-catchers could return to fantasy prominence; if not, the early-season distribution could shift toward backups and a adjusted game plan.

Stafford returned to practice in uniform, a notable step given a back injury that sidelined him from camp. Los Angeles plans to pace his return toward the season opener with Houston looming, and McVay described the milestone as a positive sign. Garoppolo and Bennett have been spearheading the offense in Stafford’s absence, but this week marks the potential return of the Rams’ primary passer, adding a crucial boost to the fantasy outlook of the Rams’ passing attack.

Stafford posted 3,762 yards and 20 TDs last season, completing 65.8% of his throws, and finished strong down the stretch with 15 TDs and one INT across nine games. His December–February run (19–4 since joining LAR) underscores the ceiling the Rams can reach with him healthy. The opener vs. Houston will be a first real gauge of Stafford’s readiness, and the offense will be watched closely by fantasy managers hoping for a high-tempo, high-floor attack if Stafford returns near full strength.

Stafford returned to full team work for the Rams, marking a key step in Los Angeles’ camp process. McVay called the session productive, with 26 plays of team contact and clear field vision from Stafford as he navigates a fluid back injury timeline. The plan is being managed day-to-day, not by a fixed timetable, as the Rams balance a potential Week 1 readiness against long-term health. If Stafford can’t start or is limited, the door remains open for Garoppolo and Bennett to steer the offense and keep the unit cohesive against Houston.

The opener against the Texans looms large, but the Rams emphasize steady progress over urgency. Aug. 9 saw Stafford throw 68 passes with no throw-type restrictions, signaling underlying readiness even as back symptoms persist. Fantasy managers should watch Stafford’s practice load, reporting cadence, and any shift in offensive rhythm—especially targets for Cooper Kupp and any immediate beneficiaries in the pass game. Garoppolo and Bennett offer insurance but not a wholesale change in identity, so LA’s aerial attack and play-action will hinge on Stafford’s health and the evolving plan week by week.

Stetson Bennett sparked a late Rams rally, capping a fourth‑quarter comeback with the game‑winning drive as Los Angeles beat the Chargers 23‑22. Uncertainty around Matthew Stafford’s status hung over the build, leaving Bennett to operate as the likely primary backup in the short term. The Rams used a vanilla, depth‑driven sequence to test their roster, and Bennett delivered when it mattered, illustrating why the team remains comfortable with its quarterback depth behind Stafford.

Rams’ depth shined on both sides of the ball. Kyren Williams and Blake Corum carried the ground game behind a rotating committee, while Hunter’s outside‑the‑numbers speed hinted at a larger role if the season unfolds. Brennan Presley exploded onto the scene with 102 receiving yards and a clutch 4th‑and‑10 catch, a sign the Rams still find late‑round/undrafted value. Brennan Jackson tallied two sacks, reinforcing the team’s edge depth as Desjuan Johnson and others generated pressure up front. The youthful secondary and solid run defense continued to show promise, underscoring a roster with several hard decisions looming for the 53‑man cut.

With the defense continuing to pressure and the offense showing flashes of big‑play ability, the Rams appear to be building a high‑variance, high‑ceiling unit. Dolac and Ingle bolstered the second level, while the pass game flourished with Presley and Mumpfield providing viable depth targets. The overarching takeaway: Los Angeles is assembling a versatile roster capable of different looks, but significant questions remain at quarterback health, edge depth, and the final receiver/linebacker spots as week‑to‑week practice reps roll in ahead of final cuts.