Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford leaves Cowboys joint practice due to hamstring tightness, per report

LA Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford had to leave their joint practice with the Cowboys early on Wednesday, due to hamstring tightness, according to a report from Sarah Barshop of ESPN. Jimmy Garoppolo, who signed with Los Angeles in March to backup Stafford, took the first-team reps once he was sidelined. Garoppolo is suspended for the first two games of the season for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing substances policy. In 15 games last year, Stafford completed 62.6% of his passes for 3,965 yards, while tossing in 24 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

A team spokesperson noted that pulling him early from practice was a precautionary measure. Stafford has dealt with a number of ailments over the years and quite frankly, it’s amazing how he continues to play at such a high level. Last season, he earned an 88.7 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, which ranked fifth in the National Football League. In Week 16, he earned a 91.8 overall grade from PFF, ranking him first in the NFL.

He’s currently 36 years old. Stafford missed half of 2019 with a back injury and another eight games in 2022. He also missed one game in 2023, a loss to the Packers that showed just how badly the Rams need him as the starting quarterback. They were whipped in that game, 20-3.

The tightness in Stafford’s hamstring means that it might be time for Sean McVay to at least contemplate his options for a third string quarterback, at least for Weeks 1 and 2, when Garoppolo is suspended. Stetson Bennett threw four interceptions in their preseason game against the Cowboys, while throwing the game-winning touchdown toss in the final seconds.

More on Matthew Stafford and his restructured contract

Earlier in the offseason, Stafford agreed to adjust his contract terms with the Los Angeles Rams, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport. The veteran quarterback is expected to make an additional $5 million this season and another $4 million in 2025.

Stafford signed a four-year contract worth $160 million two years ago beginning in the 2022 season. His cap hit was reported as $20 million this past season but will jump to $49.5 million this coming season according to Spotrac.

Getting ready to enter his 16th NFL season, the two-time Pro Bowler also led the Rams to a Super Bowl in the 2021 season. LA has since gone 15-19 over the past two seasons and lost in the Wild Card round of the playoffs this past season.

Stafford is still expected to start this coming season, which will be his fourth with the Rams. He ranks second among active quarterbacks with 56,047 career yards, a number that also puts him 11th all-time as he is poised to pass Eli Manning and enter the top 10 this season.

On3’s Chandler Vessels also contributed to this article.