Rams’ Matthew Stafford set to put back to test in Saturday workout

Matthew Stafford’s back injury recovery is going to be put to the test.

Rams coach Sean McVay told reporters Thursday that Stafford, who is battling an aggravated disk, will participate in workouts Saturday morning.

The quarterback was not a part of practice on Wednesday or the Rams’ joint practice with the Saints on Thursday.

Speaking to reporters following Thursday’s practice, McVay said Stafford’s Saturday workout will be similar to last week, hoping that this time the two-time Pro Bowler shows some improvements in his recovery.

“Hopefully [his back] responds a little bit better,” McVay told reporters.

McVay added that he believes that Stafford’s injury is a mix of pain management and overall back function.

“But we’re trying to get our hands around this as well, so I don’t really have much more information other than think we’re trying some different things that are hopefully going to be in alignment with getting him back out on the field,” he said.

Stafford threw 68 passes in his workout at the Rams’ team facility last Saturday and did not show any limitations in the types of throws he could make.

McVay said then that Stafford’s next step would be to go through individual drills during Monday’s practice, but the 37-year-old was ultimately unable to participate.

According to McVay, Stafford “felt good” but did not “feel good enough” to throw just two days following his workout last Saturday, adding that the team “didn’t think [practicing] was the right thing to do based on how he woke up feeling.”

The head coach said potential surgery discussions concerning Stafford have yet to happen, adding: “That hasn’t been a conversation that we’ve had.”

“I haven’t gone down that road yet in terms of those types of conversations,” McVay said. “There’s been a lot of conversations about what’s the best method of how we want to approach it. That hasn’t been something that comes up.”

Stafford, who is set to enter his 17th NFL season, threw for 3,762 passing yards and 20 touchdowns last season for the Rams, leading the team to a 10-7 record and an NFC West title.