Rams must be prudent with Matthew Stafford's health from here on out

Despite leading the Los Angeles Rams to consecutive wins, quarterback Matthew Stafford is evidently is dealing with arm soreness. As he nears 39 years of age and his beard whitens, questions about his durability and health form naturally in fans' minds.

Is that enough for the Rams to make a move at quarterback? Although they could acquire insurance at the trade deadline, a switch would likely only happen mid-year if Stafford is injured or the season falls off the rails. He was a full participant in practice this week and was not included on the final injury report. That elbow may still be sore, but he'll play.

Anyone who has followed Stafford's career would guess that he would not voluntarily sit out games. Since joining the Rams, his only consecutive-game absence occurred in 2022, when the rest of the team was already banged up and sitting out starts. Stafford missed the second half of the season and the Rams finished 5-12.

The 2026 roster seems strong enough to finish a bit better that than. Still, they have to win the games. Like it or not, the girl-dad quarterback remains a significant component of LA's success.

Rams may run more to save Matthew Stafford's arm

The risk of centering a projected playoff-level offense around a 38-year-old quarterback is high. And the first warning light is glowing. Stafford's arm is sore because he has been tasked with throwing more than 50 passes in multiple games - every contest, in fact, from Week 3 through Week 5.

The Rams are only 1-2 when Stafford throws that often. All those pass attempts are due in part to a trailing game script, but it's not a winning strategy. And it's burning through the offense's greatest playmaker.

Ironically, when Stafford throws fewer than 30 times, the team has won two of three. The only loss occurred in the season opener, because backup Stetson Bennett finished out the final quarter. In the two victories, LA committed to running the ball and Kyren Williams and Blake Corum delivered.

Corum has been particularly effective of late. The Rams should strike while the iron is hot. As the offense shifts to more running plays, Stafford throws less. That benefits the team in multiple ways.

To keep him healthy regardless, the offensive line needs to protect him in the pocket. The play calling, though, must be more responsible as well.

As always, thanks for reading.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow