The Los Angeles Rams continue to be without two-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion quarterback Matthew Stafford, who is navigating an aggravated disc in his back.

The Rams also continue to add to the intrigue around the 37-year-old passer.

Stafford has not participated in the Rams’ training camp and has had to visit a specialist about the ongoing issue.

Following what was supposed to be a highly anticipated workout, the Rams offered little.

“A Rams spokesperson declined comment when asked to confirm that QB Matthew Stafford worked out this morning as scheduled,” ESPN’s Sarah Barshop reported on X on August 16.

“Sean McVay is next scheduled to speak on Monday.”

It was McVay who relayed the workout would happen on August 16, and the lack of an update drew attention to Stafford and the Rams’ quarterback situation in league circles.

Stafford is in Year 1 of a two-year, $84 million contract.

There is no guaranteed money on the deal in 2026, per Over The Cap.

Matthew Stafford’s Continued Absence Sparks Rams Trade Speculation

Matthew Stafford #9 and Jimmy Garoppolo #11 of the Los Angeles Rams before the NFL Preseason 2025 game against the Dallas Cowboys.

Adding to the trade speculation, McVay made headlines, saying he was “hopeful” Stafford’s back would respond better to Saturday’s workout than previous attempts.

Stafford has been working with Rams training staff and even outside specialists during his rehab process.

Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio noted the “vibe” Stafford’s absence has created for the Rams, saying the “clock is ticking” regardless of what they want to do.

Florio also floated a familiar trade target.

“The remark continues the ominous vibe surrounding the Rams and Stafford, who has been dealing with a back problem.

His backup is Jimmy Garoppolo,” Florio wrote on August 16. “At some point, it’s fair to wonder whether the Rams will consider calling the Falcons about Kirk Cousins, who played for McVay when McVay was on the coaching staff in Washington.”

This Heavy Sports trade proposal would send a conditional draft pick to the Falcons for Cousins, who is in Year 2 of a four-year, $180 million contract.

It follows the same framework as the Indianapolis Colts’ trade for former Falcons QB Matt Ryan in 2022.

Rams get:

Kirk Cousins

Falcons get:

2026 third-round pick

Cousins, who turns 37 in August, went 7-7 as the Falcons’ starter in 2024, throwing for 3,508 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions on 66.9% completion.

Notably, he sported a 2,328-17-7 line on 69.2% completion over his first nine starts.

Cousins and the Falcons were 6-3 at that point.

If Stafford remains out, a trade to the Rams could reinvigorate Cousins, who is working under Falcons offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, who is from McVay’s Rams coaching tree.

Stetson Bennett IV Benefiting From Rams’ QB Plan

Stetson Bennett IV #13 of the Los Angeles Rams runs the ball against the Dallas Cowboys.

Garoppolo, a two-time Super Bowl champion as a backup who also led a team there himself once, has operated as the Rams’ QB1 while Stafford works toward returning, and his presence could keep the trade chatter at a minimum.

However, the Rams have started 2023 fourth-round pick Stetson Bennett IV in each of the first two preseason games.

He has been the only QB to attempt a pass.

Bennett was 28 of 40 for 324 yards with 3 TDs and 1 INT in a 23-22 comeback win over the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 2 of the preseason.

That could bolster the Rams’ confidence in their QB room amid Stafford’s absence instead of a trade for Cousins or another option.