In a dazzling spectacle of grit and determination, Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford triumphantly returned to full practice on Thursday, fighting through a hamstring strain with his left thumb wrapped in a bandage.
With a wry smile, Stafford told reporters, “I cut it at home, like a normal human being, and protected it a little bit,” offering minimal details as he wrapped up a vigorous joint workout with the Houston Texans.
Despite the setbacks, the 36-year-old Stafford has been in high spirits. Reflecting on his recovery journey since the hamstring strain that led to his brief hiatus, he said, “Overall, pretty good.”
Rams coach Sean McVay was effusive in his praise, saying, “It was a really complete day for him. It was nice. We’d rather he didn’t have to return the ball in a couple of those games. But because of the progression, he wanted to do the job and I really think the overall etiquette (of the Texans) in terms of staying away from him was really nice and I was happy with how our line competed.”
Star running back Boston Scott was notably absent from practice due to a leg contusion. McVay reassured fans, noting that Scott is expected to carry a heavy load in Saturday’s final preseason showdown against the Texans.
Stafford, an illustrious second-time Pro Bowler last season, completed a stellar 62.6 percent of his passes for 3,965 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. The Rams, with a solid 10-7 record in 2023, faced a heart-wrenching loss in the wild-card round, falling 24-23 to the Detroit Lions. Stafford’s incredible performance that game—completing 25 of 36 passes for 367 yards and two touchdowns—was a testament to his fierce competitive spirit.
As the Rams prepare to return to Detroit for their thrilling season opener against the Lions on September 8 in a highly-anticipated Sunday Night Football game, fans can feel the vibrant energy and anticipation in the air.
