The Los Angeles Rams are waving the white flag on their 2022 campaign.
The Rams announced on Saturday that quarterback Matthew Stafford is being placed on injured reserve with a neck injury, which will likely put an end to his season.
Rams place QB Matthew Stafford (neck) on IR. pic.twitter.com/8t09PJiyRy
— NFL (@NFL) December 3, 2022
According to ESPN Senior NFL Insider, Adam Schefter, Stafford will be able to return for the final two games of the regular season. However, considering that the Rams are in last place in the NFC West standings and are all but eliminated from postseason contention already, it is very unlikely that Stafford will take another snap again this season.
The Super Bowl winning quarterback has been in concussion protocol twice this season. The last time Stafford was seen on the field, he was removed from the Los Angeles’ 27-20 loss to the New Orleans Saints in week 11 during his first ballgame back from returning from a previous head injury. (RELATED: ‘Throw The F**king Ball!’: Patriots QB Mac Jones Shreds Offensive Play Calling During Abysmal Loss)
The Rams, who have lost their last five games, have had miserable luck with injuries from the get-go. Along with Stafford being in and out of concussion protocol, Pro Bowl wide-receiver Cooper Kupp went to IR in the middle of November after suffering a high ankle sprain. Additionally, Aaron Donald suffered an ankle injury last week that will sideline him Sunday for the first-time ever in his entire career, according to NFL.com.
This Super Bowl hangover the Rams are going through has been rough to say the least. But if head coach Sean McVay and the Rams’ front office can add better receivers for Stafford over the off-season to complement Kupp on the outside, and if they can improve their terrible run game, I don’t see why Stafford wouldn’t be capable of playing great football again next year.
If Stafford is healthy next season, I believe Los Angeles will be in the playoff mix once again.