Former Detroit Lions and current Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, who began his NFL career in 2009, is no stranger to the end-of-season decision-making process regarding whether starters play or rest. This week, Rams head coach Sean McVay made an announcement about Stafford’s status for the team’s Week 18 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. The game is scheduled for Sunday, January 5, at SoFi Stadium.
McVay revealed on Friday, January 3, that Stafford will be rested for the game. The Friday injury report listed Stafford as sitting out, but the reason is marked as “not injury related.”
Sean McVay Says Rams Have Been ‘Relatively Healthy’
McVay’s decision to rest Stafford isn’t surprising, as the Rams have already secured a playoff spot and hold first place in the NFC West. With the postseason approaching, McVay aims to keep his key players fresh for the playoff run.
Stafford, now 36 years old, entered the league as the first overall pick by the Detroit Lions in 2009 after playing college football at Georgia. In 2021, he was involved in a blockbuster trade that sent him to Los Angeles in exchange for quarterback Jared Goff and several draft picks.
Speaking to reporters before Friday’s practice, McVay emphasized the team’s overall health. “Fortunately for us, we’ve been relatively healthy,” he said.
He added, “We’ve had some situations that we’ve navigated through, especially on the offensive line. Guys are banged up, but they’d be able to go if it was a normal game. So, we’re going to err on the side of caution with those guys and some of the skill players offensively who’ve logged a lot of work and are more experienced.”
The Heir to Matthew Stafford
Stafford’s extensive experience, spanning his time with both Detroit and Los Angeles, cements his veteran status. As he approaches his 37th birthday in February, NFL analysts have begun speculating about when he might retire and who could take over for him.
Blaine Grisak of Turf Show Times suggested that Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy, currently sidelined with an injury, could be a potential option for the Rams. The Vikings have relied on Sam Darnold this season in McCarthy’s absence.
Grisak highlighted McCarthy’s familiarity with a McVay-style offense as a major advantage. “He spent his rookie year learning under Kevin O’Connell, the former Rams offensive coordinator, who runs a variation of the McVay-Shanahan scheme,” Grisak wrote in a January 2 feature.
“In a sense, McCarthy would already be familiar with the offense,” he continued. “The relationship between O’Connell and McVay could benefit the Rams in trade discussions. They’ve worked together before, including in the Cam Akers trade.”
Regardless of whether McCarthy becomes a target, the Rams will need to address their quarterback situation in the offseason. Backup Jimmy Garoppolo is nearing the end of his contract, and Stetson Bennett will enter his third year in the league.
“With Stafford getting older, it may be time to start considering a potential heir, and McCarthy would be a good fit,” Grisak concluded.
