Matthew Stafford nursing finger sprain ahead of Rams vs. Bears
Matthew Stafford suffered a sprained right index finger in the Rams’ win over the Carolina Panthers, but he will be ready for Sunday’s divisional game against the Bears in Chicago, coach Sean McVay said Monday.
“He’s as tough as they come and he’ll be ready to go,” McVay said in a video conference with reporters.
Stafford injured his finger Saturday when his hand hit a Panthers player’s helmet during the Rams’ 34-31 victory in Charlotte, North Carolina. He played through his injury and passed for 304 yards and three touchdowns, including a game-winning field goal to tight end Colby Parkinson with 38 seconds left.
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Gary Klein explains what went well for the Rams in their 34-31 playoff win over the Carolina Panthers.
In his postgame press conference, Stafford said he didn’t know what happened until he saw video showing his finger bent backwards.
“It wasn’t pleasant. It wasn’t great. We’ll see what it is,” said Stafford, who was not wearing a brace or brace. “Once the ball gets going, the adrenaline is pretty good, so we hope to keep going.”
Stafford and the Rams are traveling to a cold region, but Stafford has plenty of experience in these conditions, having played 12 seasons in the NFC North.
Temperatures in Chicago could be in the 10s or lower when the Rams face the Bears, who beat the Green Bay Packers, 31-27, Saturday at Soldier Field.
“It looks like it’s going to be really cold,” McVay said.
McVay said he was optimistic that offensive lineman Kevin Dotson, who was out three games with an ankle injury, would play against the Bears.
“We’re really going to push this thing and see how it feels with the optimism that there’s a good chance it will succeed,” McVay said.
Tight end Terrance Ferguson (hamstring) and defensive back Josh Wallace (ankle) also could return after missing the last two games, McVay said. Cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon re-injured his shoulder against the Panthers and will be placed on injured reserve.
As the Rams prepare for Sunday’s game, defensive coordinator Chris Shula, offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur and passing coordinator Nate Scheelhaase will speak virtually with NFL teams hiring head coaches.
According to reports, Shula will interview for head coaching positions with the Tennessee Titans, Miami Dolphins, Arizona Cardinals, New York Giants and Las Vegas Raiders.
LaFleur will interview with the Cardinals and Raiders.
Scheelhaase will interview with the Cleveland Browns, Raiders and Baltimore Ravens.
“I’m not worried at all that it’s going to be a distraction,” McVay said.
