Over the past few weeks, the Los Angeles Rams have faced a challenging period, enduring back-to-back losses against the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys. Adding to their woes of dropping to a 3-5 season record, the team is also contending with injuries to two key offensive players.
Rising star Puka Nacua is grappling with a knee injury, limiting his participation in practice. Meanwhile, star quarterback Matthew Stafford is dealing with a thumb injury that forced him out of the previous game against the Cowboys.
As the Rams prepare for their Week 9 clash against the Green Bay Packers on the road, coach Sean McVay hasn’t made a definitive decision regarding Stafford’s availability for the upcoming game, as reported by Andrew Siciliano of NFL Network.
Sean McVay said Matthew Stafford (thumb) won't practice today, but they have not yet ruled out Stafford for Sunday's game against Packers.
"You use all the time necessary for a player like him because of his obvious reps and experience."
Reiterates Stafford is still day-to-day.
— Stu Jackson (@StuJRams) November 1, 2023
Fortunately, the Packers, who no longer have their superstar quarterback Aaron Rodgers this season, aren’t the dominant force they once were. Jordan Love has struggled to fill the shoes of the future Hall of Famer.
"We're just taking it a day at a time."
McVay says Stafford is NOT yet ruled out for Sunday.
"You give it until right before the game." https://t.co/jktDfenpfc
— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) November 1, 2023
Considering this, the Rams might opt to rest Stafford for this game, even though the Packers are currently favored by three points to win at Lambeau Field on Sunday.
If Stafford is unable to play against the Packers, McVay and his coaching staff will likely turn to Brett Rypien, who stepped in for the veteran quarterback in the previous game against the Cowboys but completed only five of his ten passes for 42 yards.