The Los Angeles Rams will be without Matthew Stafford when they face the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 12. Head coach Sean McVay told reporters Wednesday that the quarterback is still in concussion protocol and that He is also struggling with a ‘neck problem’ while announcing he won’t be ready to leave when the club travel to Arrowhead ahead of Sunday’s game.
Stafford was placed on NFL concussion protocol after leaving the LA Week 11 loss to the Saints after a third quarter sack. McVay added that Stafford “felt numbness in his legs” after the hit and noted that the team will be taking a “conservative approach” to his status.
With primary backup John Wolford also struggling with a neck injury that made him inactive last Sunday, Bryce Perkins could be in line to start Sunday in Kansas City. NFL Media reported earlier Wednesday that Perkins, an undrafted 2020 free agent in Virginia, will see the majority of first-team reps practice this week, which could pave the way for his first NFL career start. When Stafford was back in Week 10 against the Cardinals, LA lost by 10 points and Wolford completed 24 of 36 for 212 yards, a touchdown and a pick.
Stafford’s injury is just the latest sting the injury bug has taken from the Rams this season. Along with the QB, wide Cooper Kupp is expected to miss a lot of time after suffering a sprained ankle just a few weeks ago. Meanwhile, McVay also announced on Wednesday that defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson suffered a season-ending meniscus tear.
The 2022 title defense for the Rams, Super Bowl LVI champions, didn’t go so well. In addition to those injuries, the club has been plagued by poor play and find themselves in last place in the NFC West at 3-7. That record is tied for worst by a defending Super Bowl champion in 10 games.
