The Los Angeles Rams were among the hardest-hit teams by injury during the 2022 season as multiple key contributors missed a significant amount of time. Matthew Stafford was limited to just nine games due to a neck injury and being in the NFL’s concussion protocol twice.
After the difficult year, there was speculation the 35-year-old could potentially retire this offseason. However, he quickly shut those rumors down and made it clear he still has plenty left in the tank.
Stafford has used the offseason to get healthy and is looking forward to being able to participate in offseason workouts and team activities. He wasn’t able to do so last year after undergoing a non-surgical procedure to help manage elbow pain.
Rams head coach Sean McVay revealed that Stafford is making progress and will be a full go when the Rams begin their offseason workouts later this spring, per ESPN’s Dianna Russini:
Rams HC Sean McVay shares that QB Matthew Stafford is healthy and ready. “There will be no limitations. He’ll be ready to roll.” pic.twitter.com/T64vgNu3uW
— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) March 28, 2023
Stafford completed 68% of his throws for 2,087 yards with 10 touchdowns and eight interceptions in his limited time on the field last year. Prior to missing eight games, he had been one of the most durable quarterbacks in the NFL, playing in all 16 contests during the 2020-21 seasons.
A healthy Stafford will help bring some life back into a Rams offense that includes skill players Cam Akers, Cooper Kupp, Tyler Higbee and at present time, Allen Robinson.
Les Snead: Matthew Stafford one of the Rams’ ‘pillars’
Amid reports that the Rams would entertain the possibility of trading Stafford, general manager Les Snead called the veteran one of the team’s pillars and said he would be an important part of the rebuild.