The Los Angeles Rams are gearing up for a high-stakes NFC Divisional Round clash with the Chicago Bears this Sunday, and while the win column says they’re still in the hunt, the road here wasn’t exactly smooth sailing.
Coming off a dramatic 34-31 Wild Card win over the Carolina Panthers, the Rams showed grit, resilience, and just enough late-game magic to keep their postseason dreams alive. But the celebration was tempered by a bit of concern-specifically, the health of veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford.
Let’s break it down.
Stafford’s Finger: What Happened and What It Means
Stafford, the 17-year vet and former No. 1 overall pick, suffered a sprained finger on his throwing hand during the Wild Card win. The injury came on a follow-through when his hand collided with a defender’s arm-a classic quarterback hazard, but one that can be a real problem depending on the severity and location of the sprain.
Despite the injury, Stafford stayed in the game and led the Rams to a thrilling comeback, capped by a go-ahead touchdown with just 38 seconds left on the clock. That’s vintage Stafford-gritty, unshaken, and clutch when it counts. But now the question becomes: how will that finger hold up against a physical Bears defense?
According to head coach Sean McVay, Stafford is “good to go” for Sunday’s game. And in classic Stafford fashion, when asked how his finger felt, he kept it simple: “Great.”
No brace, no splint, no fuss. He’s planning to approach this game like any other.
That’s encouraging, but let’s be clear-this isn’t just a random week in October. This is the Divisional Round of the playoffs, and every throw, every read, every decision carries weight.
A sprained finger on a quarterback’s throwing hand isn’t something you just brush off. It can affect grip, spin, and accuracy-especially in cold-weather games, which could be a factor in Chicago.
A Closer Look at Stafford’s Durability
If there’s one thing Stafford has proven throughout his career, it’s that he’s tough as nails. Since entering the league in 2009, he’s played in 239 of a possible 277 regular-season games. That’s a remarkable stat for a quarterback who’s taken his fair share of hits and kept getting back up.
Here’s a quick look at some of the more notable injuries he’s dealt with over the years:
- 2009: A rough rookie season saw him miss time with both a knee sprain and multiple shoulder separations.
- 2010: Another shoulder injury cost him eight games.
- 2019: A tailbone fracture sidelined him for eight games.
- 2022: He missed time due to a concussion and a spine bruise.
- 2023: A thumb sprain kept him out for a game.
All told, he’s missed 38 regular-season games-some due to injury, others due to rest ahead of the postseason. But considering the physical demands of the position and the length of his career, Stafford’s availability has been a major asset for every team he’s led.
Why This Matters Now
Stafford’s finger may not seem like a headline-grabbing injury, but in the playoffs, every detail matters. The Rams’ offense thrives on timing and precision-two things that can be disrupted by even a minor injury to a quarterback’s throwing hand.
That said, Stafford has a long history of playing through pain and delivering in big moments. If adrenaline and experience were stats, he’d be leading the league. But against a Bears team that’s coming in hungry and physical, the Rams will need more than guts-they’ll need Stafford at his sharpest.
So while the Rams are still dancing in January, all eyes will be on No. 9’s right hand when the ball is snapped on Sunday. If Stafford can manage the pain and keep the offense humming, the Rams have a real shot at punching their ticket to the NFC Championship. But if the injury lingers or worsens, it could be a long afternoon against a Bears defense that knows how to bring the heat.