Tag: NFL preseason 2025

Matthew Stafford takes key step forward in Rams practice comeback

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford returned to full practice Tuesday, marking a key step in his recovery from a back injury that sidelined him through the opening month of training camp. It was his first time practicing in full since early June, and the 37-year-old signal-caller wasted little time showing flashes of his usual form. During team drills against the first-string defense, Stafford slid confidently in the pocket and delivered throws with his trademark velocity, including a perfectly timed strike to wide receiver Tutu Atwell in the end zone.

Head coach Sean McVay noted clear progress between Stafford’s practice debut on Monday and his second day back. Speaking with the Orange County Register’s Adam Grousbard, McVay said Stafford appeared more comfortable and was able to handle pressure situations with poise. “I thought it was a step in the right direction,” McVay explained. “We’re going to continue to hope he’s able to stack days and feel good. That’s what’s happened so far.”

McVay added that the veteran quarterback was forced to manipulate the pocket and attack all levels of the field, important steps in regaining rhythm after missing several weeks. The challenge for Stafford now is catching up with teammates who already have a month of camp behind them. While his spring reps were valuable, McVay emphasized the difference in speed and physicality once the pads are on.

“All the reps he got in the spring were helpful. It’s a different speed when the pads are on, a little more volume on both sides. I think he’s handled the last two days really well,” the coach said.

The Rams are taking a cautious approach with their signal-caller, managing every rep and monitoring how his back responds. Stafford’s workload has been closely tracked by the team’s sports medicine staff, with vice president of performance Reggie Scott checking in with him at the end of Tuesday’s session. It remains uncertain whether he will travel for the preseason finale against the Cleveland Browns, though McVay suggested the priority is to keep building steadily toward the regular season.

“I think he really trusted the fact that he felt good yesterday and that allowed him to be able to take a step in the right direction,” McVay said. “The smart thing is to take it a day at a time. Because the reality is we’re trying to get our hands on this and get him to feel as good as possible. Backs can be a volatile thing. This is definitely positive progress.”

The quarterback’s return gives L.A. stability heading into the season. At 37, Stafford’s durability may decide how far the Rams go in 2025 — and early signs point to his comeback moving in the right direction.

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Mitchell Tinsley shines in Bengals preseason win with two touchdowns

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Mitchell Tinsley made the most of his opportunity Monday night, strengthening his bid for a roster spot in a 31-17 preseason victory over Washington.

The former undrafted free agent caught two first-half touchdowns and led Cincinnati with five receptions for 73 yards. His performance caught the attention of head coach Zac Taylor, who had already made him a captain for the matchup against his former team.

“Baller,” Taylor told NFL.com’s Kevin Patra after the game. “Yeah, he just works hard. He’s become a guy that everybody really respects in the locker room. I don’t know that I’ve ever heard him speak… He just goes out there and just works, and we respect that. And again, he created the opportunities for himself… He rewarded himself with touchdowns and catches and extending drives and someone that’s reliable for the quarterbacks in August.”

From practice squad to preseason standout

Tinsley’s road to Monday’s breakout has been anything but easy. After appearing in two games for Washington in 2023, he spent all of 2024 on their practice squad. The Bengals signed him to a futures deal this offseason, giving him another chance to prove himself at the NFL level.

Against his former club, the 25-year-old delivered. His second touchdown came just before halftime, a toe-tapping grab in the corner of the end zone that showcased his awareness and ball skills.

“It’s a step in the right direction, but for me, I try not to focus on all that,” Tinsley said after the game. “I know I put a lot of work in during the offseason and into my craft. Really, it all just came down to me coming out here and executing.”

Burrow’s endorsement

Quarterback Joe Burrow was asked postgame if he thought Tinsley had done enough to make the roster. His answer was simple: “Sure hope so.”

Cincinnati’s wide receiver group is among the deepest in the league, led by Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Andrei Iosivas. Young players like Jermaine Burton and Charlie Jones are also competing for depth roles, making the competition fierce.

Still, Tinsley’s preseason production and Taylor’s praise suggest he has carved out a real chance to stick. Even if the Bengals’ depth chart proves too crowded, his showing may be enough to earn him a spot somewhere in the league.

What’s next

With roster cuts looming, Tinsley’s name is one to watch. His ability to separate, high-point the ball, and finish plays in the end zone has stood out in August. Whether in Cincinnati or elsewhere, he has shown he belongs on an NFL roster in 2025.

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