The Los Angeles Rams placed Matthew Stafford on injured reserve ahead of Sunday’s loss to the Seattle Seahawks and the expectation is for him to miss the rest of the season.
Stafford suffered a neck injury in Week 11 versus the New Orleans Saints after taking a hit from multiple defenders. The Pro Bowl quarterback entered the league’s concussion protocol for the second time this season and he’s now been diagnosed with a spinal cord contusion.
When speaking about Stafford’s status moving forward, Sean McVay doesn’t believe the veteran quarterback’s neck injury will be a long-term issue.
Rams HC Sean McVay said he expects QB Matthew Stafford (spinal cord contusion) to have a "healthy offseason."
When asked if the injury is long-term, McVay said "no."
— Stu Jackson (@StuJRams) December 5, 2022
With the Rams not in playoff contention at 3-9, they’re being extremely cautious with their franchise quarterback. There’s no need for Stafford to play again this season and McVay expects the experienced signal-caller to take some time in the offseason to fully recover.
While head, neck, and spinal injuries can be concerning, it’s a positive sign that the Rams don’t believe Stafford’s injury will limit him in the future. So for the time being, fans should expect Stafford to be at one hundred percent in Week 1 of the 2023 campaign.