Los Angeles Rams starting quarterback Matthew Stafford is dealing with a complicated elbow injury. We anxiously await more detailed information. We don’t know enough about Stafford’s current ailment, but several concerning statements have been made. Rams Head Coach Sean McVay’s recent comments added to the cloud of uncertainty.

McVay noted “it’s a tricky deal” and even used the word “abnormal” in relation to Stafford’s current dealings. McVay later pointed out that it’s an issue “MLB pitchers deal with” as opposed to NFL quarterbacks. Any injury that isn’t common for NFL players comes with an additional layer of unknown complications. We continue to monitor the situation closely.

McVay added the Rams are “learning on the fly” about Stafford’s injury. McVay used several buzzwords that may lead to particular concern. Stafford’s issue may eventually be revealed as more pain management related than anything given that he apparently dealt with this issue toward the end of last season as well. However, it’s not nothing.

Stafford’s elbow may be dealing with general wear and tear. Stafford has attempted 7,082 passes since entering the league as the No. 1 overall selection in the 2009 NFL Draft. It’s possible that workload is beginning to catch up to the former Georgia Bulldog.

Any extended absence for Stafford would qualify as a disaster for the Rams’ offense. The Rams roster has one of the least-desirable backup quarterback situations across the entire league. John Wolford is currently scheduled to back up Stafford, although Bryce Perkins and Luis Perez are attempting to push Wolford in training camp. A former undrafted free agent out of Wake Forest, Wolford’s journey included a stint with the Arizona Hotshots in the Alliance of American Football (AAF) league. Wolford has attempted 42 passes in the NFL, averaging just 5.6 yards per attempt. He’s thrown two interceptions and zero touchdowns. His presence would mark a huge downgrade for the Rams’ supporting cast.

Expectations are sky-high for the Rams’ 2022 season following last season’s Super Bowl victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. Last year’s triumphant roster experienced quite the overturn throughout the offseason, with several high-profile players signing elsewhere (Von Miller and Darious Williams), retiring (Andrew Whitworth), or remaining on the open market (Odell Beckham Jr). The 2022 roster appears more top-heavy than its predecessor. Stafford’s health is crucial to the Rams’ chances of reigning victorious for a second consecutive campaign.

The Super Bowl defending Rams are racing towards a regular-season opener against the Lombardi favorite Buffalo Bills on Thursday, Sept. 8 at SoFi Stadium. It represents the 2022 season’s debut contest. The Rams will be raising their Super Bowl banner prior to kickoff. The festivities will be exciting, but the mood may center around Stafford’s status.