Matthew Stafford went through the wringer in the Los Angeles Rams’ 34-31 win over the Carolina Panthers in the wild-card round. While he emerged victorious after a game-winning touchdown drive, Stafford sustained an index finger injury in the middle of the game that appeared to hamper his abilities throughout the contest.
Rams head coach Sean McVay later revealed Stafford sustained a sprain to his finger but would be available for the divisional round game against the Chicago Bears. Stafford, meanwhile, told Jim Gray on the “Let’s Go!” podcast that he doesn’t have any concerns about his finger injury ahead of the critical playoff match.
“Hand is good. I’m not worried about it at all,” he said. “I was just throwing a ball over the middle to Puka [Nacua] and caught somebody’s forearm. Just bent it way back. I was just looking down a little bit, like what’s this thing gonna look like when I go down there and look at it? But it was fine, a little bit stiff throughout the game, like a jammed finger. But I know by Sunday next week I’ll be feeling great.”
This is great news for the Rams, as even a slightly injured Stafford could have forced McVay to adjust the game plan a bit. Stafford might be overselling his pain tolerance for the injury, but his confidence is a good sign that he’ll be business as usual against the Bears.
At the very least, he’ll have his full cadre of pass-catchers to utilize once more. Nacua led the team with 10 receptions for 111 yards, one receiving touchdown and one rushing touchdown in the wild-card win, while Davante Adams, Kyren Wiliams, Blake Corum and tight ends Tyler Higbee and Colby Parkinson will both be ready to go. Eve n guard Kevin Dotson and tight end Terrance Ferguson, who were both inactive against the Panthers, have a chance to suit up against the Bears.
As long as Stafford is out there, though, the Rams will be alright.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Matthew Stafford on finger injury: ‘I’m not worried about it at all’
Reporting by Tyler Greenawalt, Rams Wire / Rams Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
