QB Matthew Stafford is expected to start, will his UCL sprain limit his ability to play at his best?
This week, the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks will square off in their second divisional matchup of the season at SoFi Stadium. Although LA managed to win in Seattle during the first week, they are now dealing with additional injuries and might find themselves in a more challenging situation at 3-6.
Here are the four most significant storylines I think could influence the game’s outcome in a game that the Rams must win if they want to make any waves later in the season.
QB Matthew Stafford’s health and play
This week’s game against Seattle will mark quarterback Matthew Stafford’s first return from a hand injury sustained against the Dallas Cowboys. In the brief media preview from practice on Wednesday, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletics reported on “X” that Stafford appeared to be hitting the ball with his typical spin and velocity. Stafford’s ability to grip and throw the ball well under the circumstances is all the more encouraging considering that practice was conducted in the rain as well.
Nevertheless, head coach Sean McVay has previously acknowledged that “he’ll be pushing through” and that the seasoned quarterback “probably wouldn’t be at 100%.” Although Stafford’s time in Los Angeles has been limited, the Rams signed veteran quarterback Carson Wentz to cover for him in case Stafford suffered a setback. With Stafford not at full health, this is probably Los Angeles’ best chance at running their regular offense.
Rob Havenstein, the right tackle who was injured and missed the game against the Packers, is expected to return on Sunday, giving Stafford some protection once again. The Rams have struggled with offensive line injuries all season, but it appears that Stafford should start every game with all of his starters to help protect his injured hand and keep him off the ground.
Can Zach Evans, a running back, get some action?
Zach Evans, a rookie tailback selected in the sixth round, has only made four attempts for 10 yards this season. However, could he finally be included in the offensive game plan against Seattle? During the bye week, McVay specifically mentioned Evans’ potential in the second half of the season on The Coach McVay Show:
Zach Evans is another player McVay expressed interest in watching to see if he receives any carries in the second half of the season. “He’s become more and more skilled and will continue to practice until he is given the chance to perform.”
Could it be that the Rams didn’t want the rookie running back to accrue too many miles too early in the season in an attempt to save him for the second half? It’s the only explanation I can think of for why the team hasn’t given him an opportunity to play given that Ronnie Rivers and Kyren Williams have both been placed on injured reserve for the past few weeks.
Darrell Henderson and Royce Freeman will continue to carry the load if Evans is left out of the game plan once more. Though they don’t have the same explosiveness that Evans displayed in college and the preseason, the two have done a fantastic job filling in for Williams and Rivers.
Can Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua get back on track?
Puka Nacua, a rookie wide receiver, made his debut against Seattle in week one, going for 10 receptions for 119 yards. Nacua, who has only managed six receptions for 75 yards over the last two games, has sadly been dealing with a knee injury lately and hasn’t been himself the past few weeks.
Nacua was “limited in terms of just some of his overall movement against Green Bay, and you know just the style at which he played. I’ll be interested to see if he’s ever truly back full speed,” according to McVay, who has already stated that Nacua’s practice limitations were merely preventative.
Then, McVay took back his statement that Nacua wouldn’t be able to return to full strength this season, which raises questions about the extent of his injuries. Nacua is a physically strong receiver who has been hurt all season long. He first had rib injuries in the first Seattle game, and more recently, he has been dealing with knee swelling.