Matthew Stafford’s “100%” committment and injury updates
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, 35, had one of his best seasons in recent memory in 2023 even though he missed a game because of an injured right thumb ulnar collateral ligament.
Therefore, it should come as no surprise that Stafford declared he “planned to be back” in 2024 following Sunday’s 24-23 wild-card loss to Detroit.
Even after suffering a season-ending spine injury in Week 11, he stated as much in 2023. Even yet, Stafford was the subject of rumors far into training camp and well into the trade deadline, ranging from potential retirement to a trade to a contract restructure. During the previous offseason, teams did contact the Rams to find out whether Stafford was available. For the first time since 2016, the Rams have a first-round draft pick this offseason.
Thus, it was crucial that Sean McVay, the coach of the Rams, officially and vehemently endorsed Stafford to lead the team at quarterback in 2024.
He laughed as he responded, “100%, absolutely, unequivocally yes,” on Wednesday.
Any summer rumors that implied differently, according to McVay, “would be a good way to get me really riled up.” No, we’re all set to leave. He’s prepared to leave. We are utterly dedicated to having him guide us in the upcoming year.
When most pundits and analysts predicted the Rams would conclude the regular season with a top-10 draft pick, Stafford’s excellent play enabled the team to pull off a 7-1 finish (10 total wins) and secure a postseason berth. According to TruMedia, Stafford, who was selected for the Pro Bowl, tied for eighth place in EPA/pass play at the end of his 15-game regular season.
After the game on Sunday, Stafford remarked, “I said earlier in the week, nobody gave us a chance to even be sniffing where we are right now.” “I’m proud of the guys and their efforts—from the players to the coaching staff and everyone in between.”
More McVay season-ending observations:
• Tight finish Tyler Higbee will need surgery to repair the ruptured ACL and MCL he sustained from Detroit Lions defender Kerby Joseph’s low hit during Sunday’s game. Because the injury happened so late in the season, McVay stated that Higbee might be added to the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list before training camp.
