Matthew Stafford's back injury has officially gone from concerning to alarming.
Matthew Stafford Injury Puts Rams at QB Crossroads: 3 Options They Can’t Ignore originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford’s lingering back injury has officially gone from worrisome to alarming.
The 37-year-old Stafford remains out with an aggravated disc in his back, and he has not practiced in training camp. Although the Rams haven’t officially ruled him out for Week 1, concerns are nonetheless mounting about the two-time Pro Bowler’s availability and overall injury risk.
Jimmy Garoppolo is the Rams’ current backup, with ex-Georgia standout and 2023 fourth-round pick Stetson Bennett behind him. Garoppolo obviously has starting experience dating back to his time with the New England Patriots, though Bennett has yet to play an NFL snap.
The Rams must consider adding another quarterback before Week 1, and we have three ideal candidates.
3. Brett Rypien, Minnesota Vikings
By no means is Rypien the sexiest name out there, but he’s at least played for Sean McVay and the Rams. Rypien completed 18 of 38 passes for 172 yards and a pick for the Rams over two games in 2023, even starting a Week 9 loss to the Green Bay Packers.
Rypien is exactly what the Rams should want in an emergency veteran quarterback. He’s familiar with the system, he’s had meaningful regular-season reps, and he’s not an injury liability. While Rypien might be the most realistic option on this list, we still have a couple of quarterbacks worth mentioning.
2. Trevor Siemian, Tennessee Titans
Siemian has joined the club of backup quarterbacks who, against all odds, are still playing. It’s been nearly a decade since Siemian went 8-6 as the Denver Broncos’ starter in 2016, and he’s evolved into a proper journeyman quarterback. Tennessee signed Siemian earlier this week, and there’s a chance he sticks around given his familiarity with Brian Callahan’s offense; Siemian split most of 2023 between the Titans’ active roster and practice squad.
If Tennessee does part ways with Siemian again, then the Rams must swoop in with a roster opportunity. Siemian offers legitimate veteran experience, having started 33 games since debuting in 2015, and he’d fit the Rams’ quarterback room perfectly.
1. Case Keenum, Chicago Bears
Case Keenum slings it for a Bears TD!
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Yes, Case Keenum is indeed still playing, though we haven’t seen too much of him recently. Although he’s thrown just 142 passes since the start of 2020, Keenum continues finding opportunities because he’s a well-respected backup capable of stepping in if needed.
Keenum spent 2015-16 with the Rams, completing 60.9% of his passes for 3,029 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 12 picks over 16 games and 14 starts. However, he did so under Jeff Fisher rather than Sean McVay, so the familiarity angle only goes so far here.
Regardless, Keenum is an ideal backup quarterback for any team, and the Rams should absolutely pounce if he becomes available. Minnesota Vikings fans will happily remind you what happens when Keenum takes over for an injured quarterback — at least, until he gets to the NFC Championship Game.
Related: Rams QB Matthew Stafford Announces New Role on Tuesday
Related: Jets Already Facing Major Quarterback Problem Ahead of Week 1
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 14, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Football
