C.J. Stroud Doubles Down on Matthew Stafford Before Rams-Texans
The Los Angeles Rams will take on the Houston Texans in the 2025 regular season opener, and C.J. Stroud shared strong thoughts on Matthew Stafford.
“I like his game,” Stroud told reporters on September 3. He does a good job of anticipation, no-look throws, moving guys with his eyes, coverage recognition. He can – I think he can put the ball in any spot, at any time, from any arm angle. Does a good job with bad pockets is something I’ve watched, too. So, yeah, he does a lot of great things, and, yeah, he’s a really good player.”
This is just the latest praise Stroud has offered for Stafford.
C.J. Stroud a Fan of Matthew Stafford
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans walks off the field after being defeated by the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Divisional Playoff.
The Rams’ first opposing QB of the 2025 season previously suggested that Stafford could be among the ranks of Tom Brady during an appearance on the “Million Dollaz Worth of Game Podcast,” saying he was a “fan” of the “dawg” and added Stafford’s no-look skill to his own bag.
Stafford also made headlines with his comments about playing in the contest.
Stafford’s back injury took over as the dominant Rams narrative after his speculation over his future grew amid LA’s decision to allow the QB’s representatives to discuss his value with other teams this offseason.
As far as Stafford’s concerned, “whatever happens, happens.”
For the Rams, they made a noteworthy non-move with Stafford, not listing him on the injury report, which also drew attention.
Rams QB Matthew Stafford ‘Ready to Go Play’
GettyMatthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams takes the field before a game against the Dallas Cowboys.
Stafford self-reported back tightness that turned out to be an aggravated disc, which required special treatments and sidelined him during the Rams’ training camp. Amid outside concerns of a potential recurrence during the regular season, Stafford is unwavering.
“I’m going to go play in the game. Whatever happens, happens,” Stafford told reporters on September 3. “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 said “[I] feel good” when asked how his back has held up since returning to practice.
Rams head coach Sean McVay put most fears aside, declaring that Stafford would start in Week 1 against the Texans. But Stafford’s absence from the Rams’ first injury report was encouraging.
“#Rams QB Matthew Stafford, who missed most of camp while dealing with a back injury, isn’t listed on the team’s initial injury report and is expected to start Sunday’s opener vs. Houston,” NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero posted on X, underscoring the gravity of the storyline.
The Rams have other issues that compound the uncertainty around Stafford.
Matthew Stafford Faces Daunting Challenge in Week 1
GettyMatthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on against the Dallas Cowboys.
Stafford’s health could be tested early, with the Rams facing a Texans team that logged the fourth-most sacks and was sixth against the pass. Moreover, Rams left tackle Alaric Jackson missed time in camp with blood clots.
Jackson is back in the lineup for the opener. But, like Stafford, he is at risk of recurrence and must fend off Texans defensive ends Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr.
That is a daunting task for anyone.
Stafford has been good on the move.
“Stafford was productive when he had to leave the pocket last season, throwing eight touchdowns on passes from outside the pocket, tied for second most in the NFL,” ESPN’s research department wrote in an article published on August 31.
Still, at 37 and coming off a back injury, the Rams surely would prefer to keep Stafford upright. The Texans were middle of the pack in blitz rate, too, per Pro Football Reference.
The Rams trust their QB plan behind Stafford.
They have Jimmy Garoppolo, and 2023 fourth-round draft pick Stetson Bennett IV looked good during the preseason. Still, Stafford is a two-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion, and he is essential to the Rams’ aspirations for the 2025 season.
Rival QB Doubles Down on Matthew Stafford Before Rams-Texans
Broncos Add Former AFC Rival QB Amid Flurry of Roster Moves
The Denver Broncos had to reshuffle their roster just one day before they take on the Tennessee Titans in the regular season opener. Among the slew of transactions the Broncos announced, former Indianapolis Colts quarterback Sam Ehlinger re-signed.
Ehlinger, the No. 218 overall pick of the 2021 draft, spent the first three seasons with the Colts, signing with the Broncos in free agency this past offseason and turning heads in training camp.
The Broncos cut Ehlinger at the end of the preseason when they set their 53-man roster.
Former Colts QB Sam Ehlinger Rejoins Broncos Ahead of Titans Game
GettyJarrett Stidham #8 and Sam Ehlinger #4 of the Denver Broncos warm up before a game against the Arizona Cardinals.
The Broncos only had two other quarterbacks on their 53-man roster, starter Bo Nix and backup Jarrett Stidham, after cutting Ehlinger in late August.
He was on the team’s practice squad after signing to it following his cut.
“Per source, Broncos are signing QB Sam Ehlinger to their 53-man roster for Sunday’s game vs. Tennessee,” 9News’ Mike Klis reported on X on September 6. “Ehlinger rewarded for terrific preseason. Had 53-man offers from two other teams.”
According to the Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson, “Source says there was no new offer for #Broncos QB Sam Ehlinger to go to another team’s 53 beyond the two offers he previously got. Source said the Broncos had been planning to put him on the 53 and were just waiting for the chance. That chance came today.”
Ehlinger, who turns 27 on September 30, has completed 63.4% of his passes for 573 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions in his career.
If all goes well, his only role on game days will be on the sidelines with Stidham.
Amid quick speculation about a corresponding move to add Ehlinger, the Broncos provided an answer, making several more roster moves with the Titans (who were 3-14 in 2024) set to visit them in the Mile High City.
Broncos Lose Self-Proclaimed ‘6th Man’ to IR
GettyMalcolm Roach #97 of the Denver Broncos reacts after a tackle versus the Las Vegas Raiders.
To make room for Ehlinger, the Broncos shut down defensive tackle Malcolm Roach for four weeks. Roach was with Broncos head coach Sean Payton on the New Orleans Saints.
“Per source, Broncos are placing DL Malcolm Roach (calf strain) on short-term IR,” Klis reported in a separate post. “There is hope he will return as soon as week 5. Suffered injury during practice Thursday.”
Roach started one game in 2024, but he played in all 17 and considers himself their “sixth man.”
Roach cited comments from Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph about “understanding” the team’s “culture” is the “biggest thing.”
He cited the freedom that he has on the field when filling in for D.J. Jones, John Franklin-Myers, and Zach Allen for his buy-in, name-dropping former NBA player-turned-media personality Lou Williams, a three-time Sixth Man of the Year award winner, in another anecdote.
“The culture is a shared set of values that everybody got to have. And if I’m over there pouting because I’m not starting, that’s an energy vampire. Why would I worry about that when I’m still playing 40 snaps a game? I’m still playing. When crunch time on the line, I’m still out there in the game,” Roach told reporters in August. “I got that analogy from Lou Will, basketball player. He was like, ‘Man, I get to go in the game and get up as many shots as I want. When D.J., Zach, and JFM get tired, I get to go in there and get to go to work.”
Roach said bringing “quality” whenever stepping onto the field is how players last in the NFL.
“It’s just a role you got to embrace. And roles change. You never know what’ll happen. I might have to step up and be a starter for some games. You never know. But at the end of the day, I know what I get paid to do, and I know what I’m here to do, and we trying to win a Super Bowl,’ Roach said. “I think we’ll be better off if I’m helping in that way than not.”
Broncos Elevate Practice Squad Duo Amid Injuries
GettyAdam Prentice #46 of the New Orleans Saints warms up before a game against the San Francisco 49ers.
The Broncos wrapped up an active day with a pair of roster elevations. They called up linebacker Levelle Bailey and recently signed fullback Adam Prentice from the practice squad. Tomasson reported an expectation for that in an article on September 5.
Bailey is taking the place on the gameday roster of fellow LB Dre Greenlaw. Greenlaw is dealing with a quad injury, but could return as soon as Week 2.
Prentice is filling in for Michael Burton, who is out for the season, and Nate Adkins.
The Broncos announced all three of Adkins, Greenlaw, and Roach would miss the regular season opener in the team’s injury report on Friday.
Per Vegas Insider, the Broncos remain 7.5-point favorites, tying them with the Washington Commanders (New York Giants) for the biggest favorite in Week 1, though that could shift on game day following their roster moves.
