Matthew Stafford’s back issue has sparked some bizarre theories.
The Rams’ veteran quarterback missed preseason action and most of training camp due to lingering back soreness — for which he’s received epidurals to manage pain — and his wife, Kelly Stafford, is taking speculation over his health in stride.
Taking to her Instagram Story on Thursday, Kelly reposted a Barstool Sports headline that read, “The Best NFL conspiracy theory on the internet – Matthew Stafford died a couple weeks ago, got cloned, new one is now QB1 for the Rams.”
She added, “I knew there was something different about him….that @ammortal_official is wild.”
The most bizarre corners of social media have concocted the idea that Stafford has passed away — despite zero evidence to support the fact.
Kelly tagged Ammortal Inc, a company that her husband uses for their Ammortal Chamber, which is “the fastest way to reset, recharge and rejuvenate the body, mind and spirit,” according to its website.
Earlier this month, Stafford used a mobile Ammortal Chamber that was inside of a trailer at a Rams practice, as seen in photos posted by reporters.
Stafford returned to the field Monday for the first time this summer for practice in full pads.
Rams head coach Sean McVay told reporters after practice that Stafford participated in 26 plays of team drills, per the team’s official website.
“It was good to be able to have Matthew out there. He did a good job today. I thought he looked good. I don’t really have any updates,” McVay said. “We’re going to keep it a day and really a week at a time, but it was great to be able to see him out there today. We’ll see how this afternoon goes and tomorrow.”
If Stafford isn’t ready for Week 1 against the Texans, veteran backup Jimmy Garoppolo would be the starter. Stetson Bennett, who shined in preseason, is next up on the depth chart.
The Rams close out the preseason against the Browns on Saturday.
Los Angeles is looking to build on its Divisional Round appearance last season, a 28-22 loss to the Eagles that proved to be Philadelphia’s tightest postseason game en route to their Super Bowl win over the Chiefs.
