for a quarterback. Some of this stuff is things that MLB pitchers deal with. It is something that we’re kinda learning about on the fly and his feedback, and really trying to figure out how do we get the best plan in place to try to minimize some of the things he was having to push through, while also giving him the confidence that, ‘Hey, I can really just let it go, not have to worry about it and play to the best of my ability.’

“It is something I’ve never navigated through as a coach with a quarterback. ... This is something that we want to be as smart as possible and it’s taken a big team to try to do that.”

The Rams are hoping that Stafford’s new workout plan will minimize the elbow pain. Stafford won’t throw in team drills for at least the next two weeks, but he did throw during Thursday’s individual period. Stafford had an impressive deep touchdown pass to wide receiver Tutu Atwell during the 7-on-7 period.

Stafford, 34, had several highlight throws during the first week of training camp, a positive sign for the organization after he didn’t throw during the offseason program because of an elbow injection he received not long after their Super Bowl LVI victory over Cincinnati. But the Rams decided to decrease his workload after learning of Stafford’s lingering arm pain.

“He looked really good,” McVay said about Stafford’s throwing session. “I thought he looked really good, even in routes on air and the types of throws, where you’re really seeing all parts of the field being activated. That’s a really good thing. I’ve definitely seen improvements.”

“We were hoping some of the pain would have alleviated,” McVay added. “That’s really the goal and being able to pivot and adjust it’s kinda what you’re seeing. This isn’t something that we’re totally caught off guard with. Going into camp, we knew that we wanted to have a modified approach and a progressive build but then ... I know how tough he is and when he’s really pushing through, could he do it? Yes. Is that the best thing? We didn’t think so.”

The Rams are remaining optimistic about Stafford’s elbow pain decreasing in the coming weeks with a lighter workload. His throwing session on Thursday provided early encouraging signs.

Also

Wide receiver Jacob Harris didn’t practice because of a groin strain and he’s expected to be sidelined for a couple of weeks, according to McVay. The 6-foot-5 Harris started his career as a tight end last season before moving to wide receiver. ...

Outside linebacker Terrell Lewis received a rest day as a precaution because of his history with knee injuries. The third-year player has had a strong camp and recently received praise from McVay and starting edge rusher Leonard Floyd. ...

Rookie Decobie Durant saw action as the slot cornerback with the first-team unit. He recorded another takeaway after jumping in front of Atwell near the right sideline for an acrobatic interception. Durant and fellow rookie cornerback Derion Kendrick have received first-team snaps this week.

“Guys that aren’t afraid,” McVay said of the rookie cornerbacks. “It’s not too big for them, they come in there, I think when you’ve got veteran leaders like Bobby (Wagner), like Aaron (Donald), Leonard Floyd. You’re seeing great communication on the back end from some of our veteran safeties.

“There’s a lot of different things that we’re doing defensively but it’s not too big for them. They’re very confident and what I like as much as anything is their ability. If a play doesn’t go the way we want, hit the reset button with a short memory, but still have that swag and confidence to be able to make the play on the next one.” ...

Second-year wide receiver Ben Skowronek managed to haul in a TD reception after being hit by multiple defenders during red-zone drills. Along with Skowronek and Tutu Atwell, Brandon Powell and J.J. Koski received opportunities with the first-team unit. Allen Robinson received a light workload during team drills and joined Cooper Kupp on the sideline.