Los Angeles Rams open 2025 training camp with QB Matthew Stafford limited by a back injury. Get the latest on his status and rookie Terrance Ferguson's role.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The wait is over, Rams House. Rookies and veterans reported to Loyola Marymount University today, officially kicking off the 2025 training camp. But the usual buzz of a new season was tempered by significant news from the quarterback room: Matthew Stafford will be limited in early practices as he manages a back issue, casting an immediate spotlight on the team's depth and resilience.
He's that missing piece. You see the way he works, the way he stops the run... it's exactly what we need.
The Rams are exercising caution with their franchise quarterback. While the specifics of Matthew Stafford's back issue remain under wraps, the plan is to monitor his workload closely to ensure he's 100% for the regular season opener. This development immediately elevates the importance of the backup quarterback battle and places immense pressure on the offensive line to keep Stafford clean once he fully returns. Every snap, or lack thereof, will be scrutinized in the coming days.
Despite the concern over Stafford, there's plenty of optimism surrounding the new talent arriving at LMU. The 2025 draft class, led by second-round tight end Terrance Ferguson from Oregon, is expected to make an immediate impact. With veteran Tyler Higbee still recovering from a serious knee injury, Ferguson has a golden opportunity to carve out a significant role. Other notable rookies include Michigan EDGE Josaiah Stewart, Auburn RB Jarquez Hunter, and Ohio State DT Ty Hamilton, all of whom will be looking to follow in the footsteps of recent draft successes like Puka Nacua and Kobie Turner.
Perhaps the most critical offseason addition is already earning high praise. Newly signed defensive tackle Poona Ford is being hailed by his teammates, with young lineman Braden Fiske calling him the 'missing piece' for the run defense. It's not just hype; Pro Football Focus graded Ford as the third-best run defender among all interior linemen last season. After a year where the Rams ranked 20th in run defense EPA and allowed a staggering 60% success rate on third-down runs, Ford's 23 defensive STOPs and proven ability to clog lanes could be the key to transforming the front seven.
As camp begins, the slate is clean across the division. The Rams, 49ers, Seahawks, and Cardinals all sit at 0-0, making the NFC West a wide-open race. For the Rams, building on last year's surprising 12-5 campaign is the clear objective. Another key storyline to watch will be the health and contract status of star running back Kyren Williams, who is crucial to the offense's identity. How these situations resolve will go a long way in determining if the Rams can claim the division crown.
The first day of camp has set the narrative for the preseason: can the Rams' exciting new talent and key defensive upgrades overcome the immediate health concerns surrounding their most important player? Stafford's back will be the story to watch, but the development of rookies like Ferguson and the impact of veterans like Ford will determine this team's ultimate ceiling. The road back to the playoffs starts now, one monitored rep at a time.
