Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford 'Looked Really Good,' to Play vs. Seattle Seahawks

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford has impressed coach Sean McVay with how he's thrown the ball during practice while recovering from a sprained UCL in his thumb.
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The Los Angeles Rams are as healthy as they've been since the start of the season, coach Sean McVay announced Friday - and that includes starting quarterback Matthew Stafford.

A 20-6 loss to the Green Bay Packers in which Stafford didn't play due to a sprained thumb led to Los Angeles' much-needed bye week, setting the stage for several injured players to return this Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks.

Stafford is perhaps the most prominent name set to take the field, as he's back after a one-game absence. Brett Rypien replaced Stafford against Green Bay but struggled and was waived just two days later.

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A full participant in practice this week, Stafford will play Sunday - and McVay shared he's appreciated Stafford's leadership during the week and has seen positive performances in practice.

“He's looked really good," McVay said. “I haven't really noticed anything. He’s throwing it like the really special talented player that we know. He's had a great energy. He's led great throughout the course of the week and looking forward to finishing this week off the right way.

“Let’s let that lead into a good performance for our group on Sunday.”

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is poised to return Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks.
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is poised to return Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks / USA Today Sports

McVay revealed Stafford will be wearing a flexible brace to help stabilize his thumb's UCL with hopes it doesn't move past certain thresholds. The brace has shown no signs of limiting Stafford during practice, McVay said.

The 35-year-old Stafford has completed 59.7 percent of his passes for 2,070 yards, eight touchdowns and seven interceptions this season.

Los Angeles (3-6) is in need of a second half push to make the postseason, and with Stafford and many others healthy, feels it has the pieces needed to accomplish that feat.

The Rams will begin their march this Sunday, hosting the Seahawks (6-3) for a 1:25 p.m. PST kickoff inside SoFi Stadium.


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Daniel Flick
DANIEL FLICK

Daniel Flick is an accredited NFL writer for Sports Illustrated's FanNation. Daniel has provided boots-on-ground coverage at the NFL Combine and from the Atlanta Falcons' headquarters, among other destinations, and contributed to the annual Lindy's Sports Magazine ahead of the 2023 offseason. Daniel is a co-host on the 404TheFalcon podcast and previously wrote for the Around the Block Network and Georgia Sports Hospitality Media.