It can't always be smooth sailing for the Los Angeles Rams. 

On Wednesday, Rams star quarterback Matthew Stafford left joint practice with the Dallas Cowboys early due to hamstring tightness. ESPN's Sarah Barshop was the first to report the news. 

"[Stafford] operates at a world-class level," offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur said. "But we know that every rep is going to be valuable for him, no matter how many plays he's had. Unfortunately, he had some tightness."

Backup quarterbacks Jimmy Garoppolo and Stetson Bennett took over reps for the second half of practice. 

The severity of the injury is unclear. However, hamstring tightness and soft-tissue injuries can last longer than expected. 

If Stafford is unable to play for the rest of the preseason, Garoppolo would be the Rams' go-to signal caller. The only problem is he is suspended for the first two games of the season, leaving Bennett as the only viable option. 

Despite the uncertainty, Garoppolo is feeling good about his role and position with the franchise. 

"This place allows you to be yourself, too, which is different than other places I've been," Garoppolo said, via The Athletic’s Jeff Howe. "You're getting pressed with a sense of urgency but in a good way. Obviously, everyone wants to win. Everyone wants to perform well. They do it in the right way here. They push you positively. There's just a lot of good things going on, man. I'm enjoying every bit of it. Even the meetings are a good time. Everything is going good right now."

Garoppolo added: "Being in this role, I get to experiment with some things, being with the No. 2s. I get to be myself. I haven't had that in a little while, so it feels nice to get back to that."

After Stafford's injury, he may not be with the No. 2s for too long.