Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is experiencing soreness in his throwing arm, specifically his elbow, coach Sean McVay confirmed Monday. The discomfort became apparent following the Rams' 24-9 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.
When asked about a bag of ice on Stafford's arm post-game, McVay indicated that the quarterback himself would be best suited to address the extent of the soreness. "He's had some soreness there. I think he'd be better equipped once you guys talk to him to answer that," McVay stated. This leaves Rams fans with uncertainty about the veteran quarterback's condition for the remainder of the season.
The Rams, who are now 4-4, cannot afford to lose potential wins if Stafford needs to miss time. The article suggests that if the team had secured a couple more victories earlier in the season, the conversation around potentially resting Stafford for a game would be easier. However, with their current standing, managing his workload becomes a more complex decision.
McVay alluded to the Rams' offensive strategy possibly shifting to support Stafford. He recalled a game against the Raiders where the offensive line performed well in the run game, suggesting a similar approach could be used to alleviate pressure on Stafford's arm. The defense also has a role to play by securing stops and providing the offense with leads, enabling more run-heavy playcalling in crucial moments.
The team faces a critical juncture where Stafford may need to perform at a high level with his arm, but the growing concern over his elbow adds a layer of pressure. The question remains whether the team's defense can create situations that allow Stafford to hand off the ball more often, preserving his arm for games where he must carry the passing load.