Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford helped lead the team to an overtime victory against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday to move to 2-2 on the season prior to a marquee matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 5. But he also suffered a hip injury that put his status for that game in some doubt.
Stafford could still play on Sunday afternoon at SoFi Stadium, but he’ll need to work his way to that point throughout the week of practice. And it seems that he plans to do just that as the team resumes walkthrough and practices on Wednesday and Thursday.
Stafford is joining the team for walkthrough and practices but with some restrictions as he recovers from the hip injury he suffered in Week 4, according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic:
QB Matthew Stafford will be back at walk thru/practices this week, however the team is expected to take it light knowing he's dealing with a hip injury, per league source.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) October 4, 2023
Sean McVay later confirmed that Stafford actually had a full practice, via Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic:
Matthew Stafford will be a full participant in practice today, per Sean McVay (as McVay indicated Monday)
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) October 4, 2023
If Stafford is able to go against the Eagles, it gives them a fighting chance against one of the two remaining undefeated teams in the NFL. Stafford’s ability to not only put points on the board, but rally his offense despite being underdogs gives them a shot in any game he plays.
It’s part of why they are 2-2 to begin the season when many expected the Rams to be one of the worst teams in the league.
But if Stafford cannot go and the starter duties are handed to the backup, Brett Rypien, it could be a long day for L.A. The Eagles impose a dominant defensive line that could make any offensive line struggle, but especially a Rams unit still working to find their footing. Knowing Stafford’s toughness though, there’s no chance he will miss this big game.
Cooper Kupp designated to return
Rams star receiver Cooper Kupp has officially been designated for return from injured reserve and made his return to practice on Wednesday. The Rams will now have 21 days to move him to the active roster.
Kupp had dealt with a hamstring injury early in training camp and then suffered a setback as he tried to ramp things up ahead of the start of the season. This forced the Rams to place him on injured reserve and miss the first four weeks of the season.
Now that he has returned to practice, the question is whether he will be able to suit up for the Rams’ crucial Week 5 meeting with the undefeated Eagles. He is pushing to play in the Sunday afternoon matchup.
