Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay says Matthew Stafford's elbow pain 'abnormal for a quarterback'

IRVINE, Calif. — Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay said quarterback Matthew Stafford's right elbow pain is «a little bit abnormal for a quarterback,» comparing it instead to what pitchers deal with.

Stafford, who dealt with an elbow injury last season, received an injection in his right elbow during the offseason. He did not throw during the Rams' spring workouts, saying he and the team were trying to be smart with his throwing arm.

Stafford threw during individual and 7-on-7 drills on Thursday, but did not take part in the team reps. McVay said earlier in the week that he doesn't expect Stafford to do so before the Rams leave Irvine on August 10.

McVay said the Rams' training staff and Stafford «tried some things in the offseason» with the goal of alleviating some of the pain he was feeling in his elbow. McVay said going into camp the Rams knew they wanted to have a «modified approach and a progressive build.»

«Could he do it? Yes,» McVay said. «Is that the best thing? We didn't think so. And I think I've got a responsibility to try to make decisions that are in the best alignment using medical experts and talking with Matthew. And so all of those things combined led to where we're at right now. And it is an ever-evolving process, but we are really taking over these next couple weeks, seeing how they go.»

McVay said Wednesday that Stafford's pain isn't a setback but is «consistent with what's been going on.»

"[You] want to try to have him operate in as little as pain as possible," McVay said. «I think anytime that you've played as long and are as tough as he is, I don't know if you're ever truly pain free but the goal would be for September 8 and really looking towards 17 games then hopefully some games after that