Matthew Stafford unsure to return this season

The Los Angeles Rams are unsure when or if quarterback Matthew Stafford will return this season, league sources informed ESPN.

Stafford is out Sunday in opposition to the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs due to a strained neck and two current journeys to concussion protocol. He suffered one concussion earlier this month, and the Rams by no means may show he suffered a second concussion though he was within the protocol a second time.

Stafford, 34, has absorbed loads of bodily punishment this season and the Rams on Wednesday dominated him out for his or her sport in opposition to the Chiefs.

Rams coach Sean McVay mentioned Stafford felt some numbness in his legs after taking a success final Sunday in opposition to the Saints but in addition emphasised that though Stafford is within the concussion protocol, it does not imply he has been recognized with a concussion.

Stafford’s standing going ahead is just like that of injured Rams huge receiver Cooper Kupp, who was anticipated to overlook six to eight weeks after present process ankle surgical procedure. Sources informed ESPN the Rams, who’ve misplaced 4 straight video games and 6 of their final seven, really feel there isn’t a have to rush again an injured participant except the season stops slipping away.

If the Rams (3-7) can string collectively some wins, beginning Sunday when quarterback Bryce Perkins is predicted to start out at Kansas Metropolis, then they will have Stafford rested and prepared for a stretch run.

With out Stafford on Sunday, the Rams will flip to Perkins, a 2020 undrafted free agent from Virginia who has shined through the preseason however not gotten in depth enjoying time through the common season. Perkins’ first NFL begin couldn’t are available in a tougher venue — in Kansas Metropolis in opposition to a viable Tremendous-Bowl contending workforce.

Sunday’s sport may very well be the primary of a number of begins this season for Perkins, relying on how he performs, the workforce fares and the way Stafford recovers. McVay mentioned Wednesday that he wouldn’t rule out shutting down Stafford for the remainder of the season, saying the Rams “usually are not going to do something that is reckless.”

Stafford has handed for two,087 yards, 10 touchdowns and eight interceptions this season, his second with the Rams.

John Wolford began underneath heart for Los Angeles in opposition to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 10 — the primary sport Stafford missed whereas within the concussion protocol — however Perkins changed the injured Stafford final Sunday in opposition to New Orleans, finishing 5-of-10 passes for 64 yards whereas additionally dashing for 39 yards.