Rams QB Matthew Stafford experiencing ‘abnormal’ elbow pain

The defending Tremendous Bowl champions may need an issue. Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford has been coping with elbow ache in his throwing arm that coach Sean McVay calls “irregular” for a quarterback.

Stafford’s elbow bothered him final season and required an injection following the Tremendous Bowl. The 34-year-old did not throw in the course of the Rams’ spring exercises for precautionary causes. McVay added that the problem is often seen in Main League Baseball pitchers and never one he is ever handled as a coach.

Stafford did throw Thursday throughout 7-on-7 drills, however did not take part in any staff reps, once more together with his aching elbow in thoughts. Contemplating the discomfort, McVay would not assume Stafford will probably be full-go by the top of coaching camp on Aug. 10.

McVay informed reporters the Rams’ coaching workers “tried some issues within the offseason” to alleviate Stafford’s ache however knew they’d take a “modified strategy and progressive construct” to his restoration throughout camp. 

“Might he do it? Sure,” McVay mentioned. “Is that the perfect factor? We did not assume so. And I feel I’ve obtained a accountability to make choices which might be in the perfect alignment utilizing medical specialists and speaking with Matthew. And so, all of these issues mixed led to the place we’re at proper now. And it’s an ever-evolving course of, however we’re actually taking on these subsequent couple weeks, seeing how they go.”

McVay made it clear that the Rams’ main goal with this course of is to get Stafford prepared for the season opener. 

“[You] wish to attempt to have him function in as little ache as doable,” McVay mentioned. “I feel anytime that you’ve got performed as lengthy and are as powerful as he’s, I do not know when you’re ever actually pain-free, however the purpose can be for Sept. 8 and actually trying in the direction of 17 video games then hopefully some video games after that, if we earn that chance.

“That is form of the angle and the big-picture strategy that we wish to have the ability to take. I do not know that I might really feel as snug taking that strategy if it wasn’t for the expertise that he is amassed and realizing how intentional he’s about staying on top of things together with his psychological and his bodily work that he can do within the absence of among the stuff within the staff settings.”

Regardless of injuring his elbow final season, Stafford performed each recreation and threw for 4,886 yards, finishing 67.2% of his passes for 41 touchdowns and 17 interceptions. He then led game-winning drives in three consecutive postseason video games en path to a Tremendous Bowl victory. 

McVay mentioned Stafford “appeared actually good” following Thursday’s observe.

“Even in routes on air, within the kinds of throws the place you are actually seeing all elements of the sector being activated, that is a extremely good factor,” McVay mentioned. “And so I’ve undoubtedly seen enchancment. He was making these kinds of throws earlier than, however with the ability to simply do it in a sensible vogue is form of what we’re actually looking out.”

 The Rams’ first preseason recreation with be towards the Los Angeles Chargers on Aug. 13. 

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