FINALLY GETTING UNDER CENTER

Stafford takes snaps in practice for first time in camp after a back issue sidelined him.

- GARY KLEIN

RAMS quarterback Matthew Stafford passes during a practice session Monday.

Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is back.

But to what degree remains to be seen.

Stafford, sidelined since the start of training camp because of a back issue, practiced Monday for the first time.

That qualified as an unexpected and momentous development for the Rams as they prepare for their Sept. 7 opener against the Houston Texans at SoFi Stadium.

Stafford, 37, went through individual and team drills with the first-team offense. The 17th-year pro was a full participant, but he did not speak to reporters afterward.

"It was good to be able to have Matthew out there," Rams coach Sean McVay said. "There are no updates. We're going to take it a day, a week at a time."

Stafford looked sharp and had no noticeable limitations during the one-hour practice. The Rams typically go through fast-paced, energetic workouts.

But there was a palpable sense of excitement from other players when Stafford went into the huddle for the first 11-on-11 period.