Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, who has been in concussion protocol since Tuesday, will be listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals, manager Sean McVay said Friday.
“He’s making good progress,” McVay said. “He trained well, he threw himself out and worked [Thursday] and making good progress and constant progress ”.
McVay said Stafford will practice on Friday “on a limited basis”. A final determination on Stafford’s readiness against the Cardinals “could come up to 90 minutes before kick-off,” McVay said.
“I think it would be foolish of me to leave him out when you talk about our quarterback, a guy who means so much to us,” McVay said. “If there is a possibility, even if we are not able to put it at risk, here is where we are.”
Stafford entered concussion protocol two days after being sacked four times during a 16-13 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that took the Rams’ record to 3-5.
If Stafford doesn’t play, John Wolford will start in his place. Wolford, who hasn’t played this season, has starter experience against the Cardinals.
In 2020, with Jared Goff sidelined due to a thumb injury, Wolford began the season finale in Arizona. His first pass was intercepted, but he completed 22 of 38 passes for 231 yards in an 18-7 win that netted a playoff spot.
Wolford also started an NFC wild card playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks, but left the game after suffering a neck injury during the first quarter.
In four career games, Wolford completed 23 of 42 passes for 236 yards, with two interceptions. He also ran 55 yards in eight carries.
Bryce Perkins would support Wolford.
Left tackle Alaric Jackson will be listed as in doubt due to a knee injury, McVay said. Ty Nsekhe would start in place of him.
McVay said offensive lineman Coleman Shelton will also return from the reserve injured. Shelton hasn’t played since October. 3 defeats against the San Francisco 49ers.
Running back rookie Kyren Williams also wants to be activated from the injury reserve. Williams has not played since sustaining an ankle injury in special teams during the Rams’ opening defeat of the season to the Buffalo Bills.
