The Los Angeles Rams are anticipating Matthew Stafford’s return as the starting quarterback in their Week 11 clash with the Seattle Seahawks after he had to exit Week 8 against the Dallas Cowboys due to a sprained UCL in his right thumb. Week 9 against the Green Bay Packers was missed, but the bye week proved timely, granting him an additional week for recovery.
During the Rams’ 2021 Super Bowl run, Stafford faced several injuries, prompting the team to trade Jared Goff and draft picks to the Detroit Lions for Stafford. In the 2021 season, Stafford underwent surgery on his right thumb in the spring and re-injured it during training camp. He also dealt with a sprained ankle, pain in his right elbow, and a sore back, with a toe sprain in the season finale. Despite these challenges, he played in every game, leading the Rams to a Super Bowl victory.
In the 2022 season, Stafford’s campaign was cut short due to injuries, and he signed a significant extension in March. His offseason included an elbow procedure, limiting his participation in spring workouts and requiring a throwing schedule in training camp. A concussion in Week 9 and a spinal cord contusion in Week 11 led to his placement on season-ending injured reserve.
With a 3-6 record, Brett Rypien filled in during Week 9, but was subsequently released during the bye week. Carson Wentz was signed as the new backup on November 8, bringing experience to the Rams’ quarterback room.
Looking ahead, the Rams face the decision of whether to persist with Stafford or consider drafting a future quarterback in the 2024 draft. Despite Stafford’s toughness and resilience in the face of injuries throughout his NFL career, the team may need to weigh their options for the long term.