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Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford signs autographs after observing a joint practice with the Dallas Cowboys Wednesday in Oxnard. Stafford was pulled from the workout after reporting he had a tight hamstring. (Ryan Sun / Associated Press)
Aaron Donald stood on the sideline Wednesday looking fit enough to immediately come out of retirement and play for the Rams.
A few yards away, 36-year-old quarterback Matthew Stafford stood apart from the action, apparent hamstring tightness shortening his day during a joint practice with the Dallas Cowboys in Oxnard.
Even if it was only a twinge, it was enough for the Rams to shut down Stafford. The 16th-year pro participated in three series before Jimmy Garoppolo took over the first-team offense and Stetson Bennett worked with the second unit.
Stafford was scheduled to speak with reporters on Wednesday but he was not made available after the two-hour workout. Rams coach Sean McVay was not scheduled to speak with reporters.
Read more: Beat up Rams explain why joint practice with Cowboys is so important
But pulling Stafford from practice said it all.
Less than a month before the season opener at Detroit, McVay cannot afford to take chances.
He already is wrestling with the fact that star receiver Puka Nacua is sidelined because of a knee injury. And starting offensive linemen Alaric Jackson, Jonah Jackson and Rob Havenstein remain out because of injuries.
There has been no indication that any of those starters will not be available for the Sept. 8 opener.
But if the Rams aren’t pushing for their return, they certainly are going to handle Stafford delicately, especially with their current back-up quarterback situation.
Garoppolo is suspended for the first two regular-season games for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing substances policy while playing for the Las Vegas Raiders. Bennett is coming off last Sunday’s four-interception performance in a 13-12 preseason victory over the Cowboys.
Read more: Rams avoid training camp…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/cautious-rams-pull-matthew-stafford-223842690.html
Author : LA Times
Publish date : 2024-08-14 22:38:42
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