stafford done for the season … how about after?

More info about Rams QB Matthew Stafford going on injured reserve (neck).
Sean McVay said Friday he has received no indication from medical experts that the injury will be a long-term issue for Stafford: https://t.co/BJHac5F4q2

— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) December 3, 2022

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Rams place Matthew Stafford on IR in move that could signal end of QB’s season

Jourdan Rodrigue

The Rams placed quarterback Matthew Stafford on injured reserve with a neck injury, the team announced Saturday. While modern injured reserve rules allow players to return after four games, the 3-8 Rams have just six remaining games and little hope for the playoffs. The move could effectively signal the end of Stafford’s 2022 season.

Here’s what you need to know:

Stafford cleared his second of two stints in the concussion protocol on Friday, but coach Sean McVay said the team was still “gathering information” about a neck injury Stafford sustained in a Week 11 loss to the Saints.

After a hit in that game, Stafford said he felt numbness in his legs, and he was placed in the concussion protocol after leaving the field.

Stafford played in Week 11 just two days after his initial placement in the concussion protocol. The team said Stafford reported concussion symptoms in the days after a Week 9 loss to Tampa Bay. Stafford missed Week 10, and saw a specialist in Pittsburgh as he advanced through the five-step protocol.

McVay has said that any conversation with Stafford about shutting him down for the year would be collaborative and inclusive of medical experts as well as Stafford’s wife, Kelly.

What they’re saying

“Matthew’s the ultimate competitor,” McVay said Friday. “I think in a lot of instances, the best thing that you can do is protect him from himself. We will always make the best decision that he feels most comfortable with, that we feel most comfortable with.

“I know him. If there’s any inkling that he can play, this guy’s going to want to play. Now, is there a possibility that we say, ‘Hey…the smart thing is to not play you,’ and he could be upset with me, but I think he knows that I have his best interest and we have his best interest (in mind).”

The big picture

McVay said Friday that he has received no indication from medical experts about Stafford’s neck injury being chronic or long-term. Stafford didn’t throw in the spring and was on a pitch count into training camp for what was described as an “ongoing” elbow issue akin to tendinitis, but multiple people with knowledge of that situation said that Stafford felt great beginning the year. What wasn’t great was the state of the Rams’ offensive line, which gave up 63 hits on Stafford before his Week 11 return, a record in the McVay era, and has featured 11 different combinations through its 11 games.

Who will be Rams’ backup with Stafford out?

John Wolford will get the start against Seattle on Sunday, but Bryce Perkins will be available and could also get some snaps. The Rams signed practice-squad quarterback Case Cookus in November.

What the IR placement means for Stafford’s future

If Stafford is indeed shut down for the season, it’s the right call for his long-term health as the Rams look to 2023. Stafford and McVay are very much tied together professionally, so getting him back and healthy — and with a safe, productive situation around him — seems important for McVay’s immediate future with the Rams.

JackPMiller wrote:

I do think that Stafford will say he wants the OLine upgraded. In other words, get a LOT in free agency or he’ll retire. There is a rumor the Titans may cut Taylor Lewan in a cost cutting move, and if that is true, I think a one year or two year deal, would be good sign for us then.

Stafford never said that in Detroit, why would he say it here?

Rams have candidates all along the line for the summer. That’s the thin silver thread in the dark clouds of OL injuries. They can bring any number of experienced players to camp from the long list of guys they played this season. A couple of  them were not bad at all either–I think LOG has been in far worse shape than LOT has been (except for Evans).

Maybe they will have money for a top LOT in free agency. That would be nice. But if they don’t they have all these bodies to work with. After all this year they started 5 LOTs 8 OGs and 3 OCs.

Zooey wrote:

Here is an idea that I do not love:

Rams 100% should claim Baker Mayfield.

Sorry! link: Baker is a Ram

Jourdan Rodrigue@JourdanRodrigue
Sean McVay says as far as he as aware, Matthew Stafford will not need any sort of procedure as he recovers from a spinal cord contusion. Reiterates he expects Stafford to have a healthy off-season.

That Stafford may need a procedure wasn’t just something speculated about on social media. Multiple league people have asked me about it in recent weeks. McVay says publicly today it’s a “no”.