- Dak Prescott revealed the moment he and CeeDee Lamb got their on-field connection back
- Travis Kelce reacts to costumed fans who say Taylor Swift put him on the map
The future of Sunday's showdown between the Los Angeles Rams and the Green Bay Packers hangs in the balance, as uncertainty clouds the availability of the Rams' star quarterback, Matthew Stafford. A thumb injury sustained during a collision with a defender's helmet last Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys has put Stafford's participation in jeopardy.
Stafford was noticeably absent from Wednesday's practice, a strong indicator he may be sidelined for the upcoming game. With a scheduled bye for the Rams in Week 10, there's a looming temptation to give Stafford the much-needed break, allowing his injury an extended healing window.
The next man up for the Rams appears to be Brett Rypien, who previously helmed the Denver Broncos for three games spanning 2020-22. Rypien went to the Rams during this offseason, and he might find himself thrust into the spotlight sooner than expected.
Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic reported that test results on Stafford's thumb were somewhat reassuring, fueling hopes for a quicker recovery. "Tests on Stafford's thumb were better than expected," she mentioned. This sentiment was echoed by Rams coach Sean McVay, who stated they will give Stafford "right up before the game" to decide on his readiness.
Despite missing eight games last season, Stafford's resilience is unquestionable. He's had his share of battles with injuries in the past and, if history is any indicator, will be keen to take the field on Sunday. However, the Rams' management faces a dilemma - should they push their star player or prioritize his long-term health?
Fantasy football angle: Rams' receivers without Stafford?
For fantasy football managers, Stafford's potential absence raises a burning question: How reliable are the Rams' receivers this week? With Stafford out and Rypien potentially in, a shift in the passing game dynamics is inevitable. The Rams could rely heavily on their running game thi Sunday
Given Rypien's limited exposure as a starter and the Packers' formidable defense, fantasy owners might want to temper expectations. If Stafford is confirmed out, it could be a good idea to explore other options or be prepared for potentially modest returns from the Rams' receiving corps.