Stafford downplays elbow injury, throws in Rams practice

Matthew Stafford downplayed the significance of his elbow injury after demonstrating just how little it's holding him back in practice with the Los Angeles Rams.

Stafford participated extensively in the Rams' latest workout at UC Irvine on Saturday, making deep throws and building chemistry with his teammates in what was likely his most extensive work of training camp.

Afterward, Stafford said his right elbow condition is merely “irritating,” and not a threat to his ability to lead the Super Bowl champions' title defense.

“I just have a little soreness,” Stafford said. “We’re working through it. I felt pretty good today. I thought it looked pretty good. Just trying to be smart with it, and make me feel as good as I can feel going into Week 1 while still getting as many reps as I can, too.”

Stafford had elbow pain last season while leading the Rams to a championship in his first season with the team, and he had an unspecified injection in his elbow during the offseason. He didn't throw to receivers in practice during the offseason program, but he has been participating regularly in drills during camp despite a limited overall schedule.

Still, coach Sean McVay raised eyebrows Thursday when he said Stafford's injury was “abnormal” for a quarterback, likening it to injuries more often seen in baseball pitchers. Stafford again declined to go into specifics about his injury Saturday, but he says it's nothing he can't handle.

“I’m just going through something that is irritating at the moment, but I’m working through it,” Stafford said. "We've got a great plan. I’m feeling stronger every time I come out here and throw. I felt like I could make any throw I wanted to today. I’m just trying to be smart when I get those