Matthew Stafford's entire preseason experience was defined by one persistent back ailment.
It's the last thing he wants to hear about on Sunday when the Los Angeles Rams host the Houston Texans.
"Oh, I'm going to go play the game," Stafford said on Wednesday, via ESPN. "Whatever happens, happens. I'm playing like I always play. I got no issues with a physical game. Obviously, would love to stay as clean as possible, but I'm not thinking twice about that at all. I'm out there ready to go play."
Stafford began camp with a mysterious back issue that dragged well into August, prompting the Rams to provide a trickle of information centered on scheduled workouts, status updates and even a social media video of the quarterback taking the practice field in pads for the first time. It's a progression that doesn't exactly inspire confidence in Stafford's durability, but as he said this week, he insists he's ready to go.
The 37-year-old quarterback has fully participated in practice for the last two weeks, supporting his confidence he'll be prepared to play. The Rams will hope the same will be true in the months ahead.
