Matthew Stafford under (surprising) center during Rams voluntary workout
LA TimesNo pass rush was in his face, many veteran players were absent, and he operated in a mandated practice pace that is dialed back to prevent injuries. But new Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford appeared to compete in organized-team activity drills Thursday as if the season was about to start — not more than three months away. “The ability for teams to practice against each other has been a huge thing I’ve been a part of the last couple years that I actually really loved,” Stafford told reporters. “Whether it was two-minute situations or just a rip of about 10 third downs in a row, whatever it is, they can kind of force the situation on the players and really make us react and go out there and play, which is a positive.” New receiver DeSean Jackson, tight end Tyler Higbee, defensive lineman Aaron Donald, cornerbacks Jalen Ramsey and Darious Williams and outside linebacker Leonard Floyd were not in attendance Thursday, the first workout that has been open to reporters since the Rams’ offseason program began. “Really just getting the foundation set the right way,” McVay said of his goals, “Making sure that we’re giving clarity to our players.”