THOUSAND OAKS >> Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford was held out of practice Thursday after experiencing hamstring tightness on Wednesday.

“He just felt a little something so we were being smart with him,” head coach Sean McVay said, adding that Stafford is expected to practice next week.

Stafford was pulled halfway through Wednesday’s joint practice with the Dallas Cowboys, ceding first-team reps to backup Jimmy Garoppolo.

Garoppolo again was leading the Rams’ first-team offense Thursday as the team went about its walkthrough. Stafford was not present on the field throughout practice.

Receiver Cooper Kupp also did not practice. McVay said Kupp was simply getting a veteran rest day.

Pleasant gets opportunity

In Saturday’s second preseason game against the Chargers, assistant head coach Aubrey Pleasant will fill in as a head coach.

McVay said Thursday that he will sit in the coaches box while Pleasant serves in his place. This has become a custom for McVay during preseason games, using them as opportunities to give assistants opportunities in different roles.

Offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur was the play caller last weekend in McVay’s stead, and Pleasant will take on the other portion of McVay’s game-day responsibilities.

“He’s ready to go. He’s earned this right,” McVay said. “And really, it’s more of just going through some of the mechanics. Meeting with the officials, handling some of the different things as it relates to timeouts, being able to communicate with both sides. ... To be able get those reps for the leadership role that he plays for our team and also to be able to get those chances. I remember when I got opportunities when I was in Washington, those were really cool things that I look back on and I really appreciate in hindsight.”

Pleasant is in the second season of his second tenure with the Rams. He served as the team’s cornerbacks coach from 2017-2020 before spending the next two years with the Lions. He was rehired by the Rams in 2023 as defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator.

He was one of the finalists for the Rams’ open defensive coordinator position this past offseason, but that job went to Chris Shula. But Pleasant was promoted to assistant head coach, a move that was announced in front of the entire team to a great roar of approval.

“Sean and (general manager Les Snead) and whoever has been picking the staff, they have a good feel for people who really care about people,” defensive tackle Kobie Turner said. “He’s texted me so many times. When I hurt my hamstring the first day of camp, he was one of the first ones to come up to me and talk me through it, like, ‘Don’t rush, we’re good. Get ready for Week 1. Just go and be a leader now.’ He’s one of those guys that just continues to encourage everybody around him.”