The Los Angeles Rams have struggled mightily through the first half of the NFL season, currently sitting at 3-5 on the year. The team received some more bad news on Wednesday regarding starting quarterback Matthew Stafford.
According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, Rams head coach Sean McVay has revealed that Stafford entered the league’s concussion protocol on Tuesday.
Potentially significant: #Rams QB Matthew Stafford is in the NFL's concussion protocol, coach Sean McVay announced.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 9, 2022
It is significant that Stafford entered the protocol on Tuesday instead of Wednesday. With the updated concussion policy, players are barred from playing without at least five days in-between entering the protocol, which many around the NFL pointed out on social media.
I am told that if Matthew Stafford went in the concussion protocol today, he would not be able to clear the protocol by Sunday. I couldn't get anyone to confirm this with the adjustments made recently, but we've seen timelines get squirrelly previously.
— Will Carroll (@injuryexpert) November 9, 2022
Per a team spokesman, in correcting the Rams/McVay's earlier statement that Matthew Stafford entered the concussion protocol today (Wednesday)…Stafford entered the protocol on TUESDAY.
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) November 9, 2022
Regardless, it certainly seems like Stafford may be in jeopardy of missing the Rams’ upcoming game against the Arizona Cardinals, which would be a huge loss for a team already struggling offensively.
The Rams are 11-1 vs. Cardinals under Sean McVay. John Wolford will likely start vs. Arizona if Matthew Stafford can't play. https://t.co/Q1F9uodRN4
— Tyler Dragon (@TheTylerDragon) November 9, 2022
The Rams will "take it a day at a time" with Matthew Stafford in the concussion protocol, but Sean McVay says they're "having the optimistic approach that there’s a possibility he’ll be able to go" against the Cardinals.
— Greg Beacham (@gregbeacham) November 9, 2022
This is significant. For all parties involved come Sunday. https://t.co/rUs085cDyK
— Johnny Venerable (@JohnnyVenerable) November 9, 2022
Yikes. I guess you "would" start Wofford if he's still in the protocol….but Bryce Perkins is an option? #RamsHouse https://t.co/lwW9DGctPK
— Steve Mason (@VeniceMase) November 9, 2022
Sean McVay discussed Stafford’s situation with reporters on Wednesday, saying that they plan to “take it a day at a time” with his status.
“We did our clean-up after the game, asked him all the questions. We determined that this was the best thing for him. Nobody is more of a competitor than Matthew (Stafford). He’s in the protocol, so we will take it a day at a time with him.”
"We'll take it a day at a time with him."
🎥 Coach McVay says Matthew Stafford is in concussion protocol. pic.twitter.com/52dfl69TUG
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) November 9, 2022
Matthew Stafford and the Rams have struggled to replicate their success from last season’s Super Bowl Championship run, with the veteran quarterback throwing as many interceptions (8) as passing touchdowns on the year.
Regardless, he is very clearly the Rams’ most capable quarterback on their roster, and it could be disastrous if he is forced to miss their upcoming game against Arizona.
[Ian Rapoport on Twitter, Los Angeles Rams on Twitter]
