The reigning Super Bowl champions Los Angeles Rams are officially punting on the 2022 NFL season. The team announced on Saturday that their starting quarterback Matthew Stafford had been placed on Injured Reserve. This probably means that Stafford won’t play again this year, considering he will only be eligible to return in Week 17.
Stafford has been out since suffering a neck injury against the New Orleans Saints in Week 11. He was also in the concussion protocol twice, something that probably influenced the Rams’ decision to put him on IR.
After leading the Rams to a championship last year, Stafford significantly struggled in 2022 despite having a career-high 68.0 completion percentage. In 10 games of action, the 34-year-old Pro Bowler had 2,087 passing yards while only throwing for 10 touchdowns compared to eight interceptions.
With Stafford out, the Rams have given chances to John Wolford and Bryce Perkins to start under center in the past two weeks. Wolford had 212 passing yards, one TD, and one interception in a 17-27 loss to Arizona Cardinals in Week 10, while Perkins threw for 100 yards, one TD, and two picks in Week 12 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Los Angeles Rams had a rough campaign in 2022, and things will probably be even worse for them down the stretch before becoming better. They are currently last in the NFC west with a 3-8 record.
