LA Rams QB Matthew Stafford played through injuries and pain

Weebles wobble, but they won’t go down

Yes, quarterbacks still do take a pounding in the NFL, despite all the recent rule changes designed to protect them and keep them in the game. (read: in front of television screens).  It makes sense because the quarterback is standing in place with a bullseye on his britches for three, four, five, and sometimes even six large powerful defenders, all intensely focused on taking him to the ground before he can get a pass off.

Injuries are glossed over, even hidden to prevent opposing teams’ knowledge of a player’s limits. Joints, digits, and limbs are taped up all the time, and, let’s call it what it is – never reported.  When the GOAT quarterback Tom Brady of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers recently announced he played 2020 with a torn MCL in his knee, was that ever reported? Nope. As Carolina Panthers WR Steve Smith once said after a heated contest against New England Patriots cornerback Aqib Talib: “Ice up, Son.”

That’s right. Just put a sleeve over that ankle injury. Gimme’ some more tape right about there, and make it really, really tight. No, I don’t want that knee brace. That will tip off defenders. Let’s just use an Ace bandage and see now that works for now. Walk it off. You aren’t hurt.

There is no evidence that Stafford’s elbow injury was ever reported, but the other injuries were reported.

Mum’s the word on that one. Sshhh, that stays inside the locker room. Not for outside ears. Need to know basis. Crickets. It’s above your pay grade

Officially, the NFL’s policy on teams reporting injuries, in part, reads: “If any player has a significant or noteworthy injury, it must be listed on the practice report, even if he fully participates in practice and the team expects that he will play in the team’s next game.”

Yeah, and there are laws about not spitting on sidewalks, too. Or crossing the street outside of the crosswalk. Or not exceeding the 55 miles per hour speed limit on the highway.

The bottom line: The LA Rams have a tough hombre under center.