WOODLAND HILLS, Calif. – Rams head coach Sean McVay on Thursday confirmed quarterback Matthew Stafford (back) had an aggravated disc and epidural. McVay also said Stafford will work out before Saturday's preseason game against the Cowboys, and if that goes well, will return to practice Monday.

McVay emphasized that, if this were a regular season game week, Stafford would be playing.

"That's nothing new in terms of what's been reported on Matthew. The aggravated disc is what led to the sore back," McVay said after Thursday's practice. "So all those things are true, and part of getting the epidural was part of the plans dealing with (back specialist) Dr. (Robert) Watkins in terms of what we felt like was the best case and best scenario to be able to allow him to be as healthy as possible."

McVay also said Stafford will not participate in next Wednesday's joint practice with the Chargers in El Segundo, because they view it as part of an acclimation period for the quarterback that begins Saturday.

"August 8th was always kind of that day," McVay said. "Our players end up being, the day before the preseason game, we just have a modified workload, but Saturday for the guys not playing in that preseason game will represent a great opportunity for Matthew to really start getting out on the field with his guys, and then whenever we come back on Monday, you'll start to see him take part in individuals, all those things, which is exactly what was on par with the plan. And then you'll start to see him get into practice with our group. Because of the uncontrolled parameters when we do go against the Chargers, we'll hold him out of that practice. And then you'll just continue to see his workload increase as long as he's feeling good."

Additionally, outside linebacker Jared Verse left Thursday's practice early after "bumping knees" with defensive end Braden Fiske.

"And so we'll hope that he ends up being okay off of that," McVay said of Verse. Verse posted on X Thursday afternoon that he was "fine."

McVay also said that offensive lineman Kevin Dotson sustained a chest contusion and defensive tackle Poona Ford "had a little bit of groin soreness" coming out of Tuesday's joint practice with the Cowboys. Although neither player practiced Thursday, McVay said it was because the team "erred on the side of caution" with both.