Matthew Stafford will have a reduced practice schedule to keep him fresh

Last year, after Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford didn't practice much in training camp due to a back problem, outsiders incorrectly assumed that coach Sean McVay was giving Stafford a break.

This year, McVay is giving Stafford a break.

Via Sarah Barshop of ESPN, McVay said that Stafford will not practice on the first and third days of the Rams' four-day training-camp practice blocks.

The goal, said McVay, will be to keep Stafford "fresh and ready to go" for Week 1.

At times last August, it appeared that Stafford wouldn't be ready to go for Week 1. He ultimately played the whole year, had one of the best seasons of his career, and won his first NFL MVP award.

So, no, he doesn't need a full slate of practice reps.

In turn, Stafford's potential backups do. With no veteran option (for now), Ty Simpson and Stetson Bennett need the work. And with Jimmy Garoppolo suddenly talking about playing again, the Rams may decide that they need to get him to come back for another season as QB2 in L.A.