Matthew Stafford

Sean McVay claims he is not concerned about star quarterback Matthew Stafford’s back issue.

The Rams coach said so three different times Saturday during a post-practice news conference. He added a “it does not worry me” for good measure.

But how could it not?

Stafford, 37, has not practiced since the Rams opened training camp while receiving treatment from trainers and the team medical staff for what McVay initially described as back soreness.

McVay said last Tuesday that Stafford would sit out the first block of practices, but return on Monday when the Rams will be in pads for the first time.

Not so fast.

McVay said Stafford would not practice next week and he is now “week to week.”

“I don’t have any reason to be concerned, based on the information that’s been given,” McVay said. “And with that being said I don’t think we can be smart enough with somebody like Matthew, and I think it’s best for him and best for our football team.”

McVay said the Rams were “being fluid” with the situation after consulting with Stafford, Reggie Scott — the Rams’ vice president of sports medicine and performance — and Dr. Robert Watkins, a spine specialist.

Jimmy Garoppolo will continue to take first team reps as the Ram prepare for their Sept. 7 opener against the Houston Texans.

During the first three practices, Stafford was nowhere to be seen. McVay said the quarterback was working with trainers in other areas at Loyola Marymount. On Saturday, Stafford observed practice for the first time, though not while wearing his No. 9 jersey. When he actually takes a snap or throws a pass remains to be seen.

Until then, uncertainty about his condition will continue to cast a pall over a team that with a physically sound Stafford would be regarded as a legitimate Super Bowl contender.

This is the second time in four years a back problem has sidelined Stafford, who through 16 NFL seasons has been one of the league’s grittiest quarterbacks.

In 2022, Stafford was limited throughout training camp because of an elbow issue. He was ready for the opener — a blowout loss against the Buffalo Bills — but missed the final seven games because of a spinal contusion as the Rams stumbled through the worst Super Bowl hangover in NFL history.

Last spring, after Stafford and the Rams explored trade scenarios, the team and the veteran agreed to terms on an adjusted contract that gives Stafford a $47.5-million salary-cap number this season, according to Overthecap.com.

McVay does not play starters during preseason games, so Stafford still has plenty of time to prepare for the opener.

But until he is on the field and throwing passes, the Rams cannot be optimistic about their chances of improving upon last season, which ended with an NFC divisional-round loss to the eventual Super Bowl-champion Philadelphia Eagles.

With receivers Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, running back Kyren Williams, and a defense led by lineman Kobie Turner and edge rusher Jared Verse, the Rams appeared positioned to make a run at a third Super Bowl appearance in eight seasons.

But that projection only works with a healthy Stafford in the equation.

Regardless of McVay’s messaging, that has to be a concern.

Etc.

Verse took off his helmet and threw it to the ground before tussling with offensive lineman Justin Dedich. McVay later stopped practice to remind players to avoid situations that could result in penalties. … Garoppolo connected with Adams and receiver Jordan Whittington on long touchdown plays….Stetson Bennett threaded an impressive pass to receiver Drake Stoops in tight coverage against the first-team defense.

It’s become a near-annual tradition.

The Rams report to training camp with quarterback Matthew Stafford’s status somewhat uncertain.

Stafford, entering his 17th season, will be held out of most workouts this week because of back soreness, coach Sean McVay announced Tuesday at Loyola Marymount. McVay added that Stafford would be eased back into practices during the second block of workouts and said he’s confident Stafford will be ready for the season.

“If he was a first-year player, then I think you’d say, ‘Man, every rep really matters,’” McVay said. “I think the important thing is having a big-picture perspective with a guy going into year 17.”

This is the third time in four years that Stafford’s situation cast a cloud over the Rams as they reported for camp.

In 2022, after leading the Rams to a Super Bowl title, Stafford received an injection in his right elbow and did not throw passes during offseason workouts. He was limited during training camp but was ready for the season. Stafford, however, suffered a midseason spinal injury that sidelined him for the rest of the season as the injury-ravaged Rams went on to experience the worst Super Bowl hangover in NFL history.

Last year, McVay experienced anxiety and delayed his camp-opening news conference because Stafford delayed his arrival until a contract impasse was settled. The issue was resolved a few hours later, and Stafford went on to lead the Rams to the NFC divisional round.

During the spring, the Rams and Stafford resolved another contract issue, seemingly paving the way for a worry-free start of training camp.

McVay said the Rams had planned to take a “modified approach” with Stafford before the back issue came to light.

“We’ll allow him to just work kind of off to the side on his own, get himself as good as possible and then he’ll be ready for Block 2,” McVay said.

But regardless of how McVay characterizes it, Stafford’s back will be an issue as the Rams prepare for their Sept. 7 opener against the Houston Texans.

Rams running back Kyren Williams speaks to reporters after arriving at Rams training camp at Loyola Marymount on Tuesday.

(Gary Klein / Los Angeles Times)

During the interim, veteran Jimmy Garoppolo is expected to take first-team snaps. Stetson Bennett and Dresser Winn are other quarterbacks on the roster.

“When you have a quality player like Jimmy that can step in, now you don’t feel like the team is totally punished either,” McVay said, adding, “We know how special Matthew is but it’s a blessing to have a player like Jimmy to be able to come in.”

Stafford is not the only returning starter who will be limited or sidelined.

Left tackle Alaric Jackson, who signed a three-year contract that includes $35 million in guarantees during the offseason, is out indefinitely because of blood clot issues. The Rams signed veteran DJ Humphries to fill the void.

“We are going to take it a day at a time with something of this nature,” McVay said of Jackson, “I do feel good about the plan we have in place that hopefully leads to him being able to go out there and compete with his teammates.”

Running back Kyren Williams said he would be a full participant in workouts. Williams is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and his agent has been in talks with the Rams about a possible extension.

McVay said the Rams were scheduled to meet with Williams’ agent on Wednesday.