What happened to Matthew Stafford? Reason why Super Bowl-winning QB is not playing vs. Raiders on TNF
Los Angeles Rams star Matthew Stafford is a glaring omission from the team's lineup for their Thursday Night Football game against the Las Vegas Raiders. We have not seen the Super Bowl-winning quarterback since the Week 11 game against the New Orleans Saints.
The Rams decided to put Stafford on Injured Reserve, but the injury to the quarterback was somewhat uncertain. Many had thought that he suffered a concussion, but earlier this week, we found out exactly what the injury is.
Have we seen the last of Matthew Stafford in the NFL?
"I don't think this is how he wants it to end.. I think he returns assuming that Sean McVay stays around" ~@RapSheet
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Head coach Sean McVay told the media after the Rams' loss to the Seattle Seahawks that Stafford has a spinal cord contusion.
The Rams have virtually no chance of making it to the playoffs, hence they decided to essentially shut Stafford down for the rest of the season. While there is still time for him to return, given the state of Los Angeles' season, it is highly unlikely that we will see him on the field again this season.
When will Matthew Stafford return?
A potential return for the Rams star is unlikely this season. Stafford is slated to return in 2023, but there have been several rumors swirling around that he could retire at the end of the season.
Rams are placing QB Matthew Stafford on injured reserve, effectively ending his 2022 season. Stafford will be eligible to return in Week 17 at the Chargers, but at that point, there would be little incentive to play and expose their veteran quarterback.
It makes sense given the nature of the injury. A doctor by the name of David Chao said as much on his YouTube channel. He stated that the quarterback and his family have a big decision to make this offseason.
Chao said:
“It seems Matthew Stafford and his family will have a choice this offseason. Either do something to correct the risk of further spinal cord contusion and potential permanent damage, usually with a neck surgery, fusion surgery, decompression surgery of some kind, which you can return to play. Or you can decide to hang it up after 14 seasons and a Super Bowl ring.”
The return of the Super Bowl-winning quarterback is something that will no doubt dominate the media landscape for the remainder of the season.
It is highly unlikely that we will see No.9 this season and if things go the way many think they will, we could have seen the last of him on an NFL field.
If you use any of the above quotes, please credit David Chao and H/T Sportskeeda.