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Sarah Bar
LOS ANGELES — Although head coach Sean McVay did not provide an update on quarterback Matthew Stafford’s future with the Los Angeles Rams during his season-ending press conference, he did say that he hoped things would be clear “as soon as possible” this offseason.
After the Rams’ divisional round loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Stafford said he would “take some time to think” about his future in the NFL. Asked if he still had football in him, he replied: “Of course, I want to.”
Last offseason, the Rams and Stafford experienced a similar scenario, only to agree to an adjusted contract the day the team reported to training camp.
“We don’t want this to happen again,” McVay said. “I don’t think it’s good for anyone. I think sooner rather than later we’ll be able to get that clarity. Understanding clear, open, honest communication.
“I think there’s a lot of love coming from us. I think there’s a lot of appreciation coming from him as well. And I think sooner rather than later is an ideal scenario.”
Asked if he could say with certainty that unless Stafford retires, he would play for the Rams next season, McVay said, “We’ll talk about all those things at the appropriate time.”
“I know he plays really good football,” McVay said. “Obviously I love him, I love working with him. What he has meant to our football team has been immeasurable in a positive way.”
McVay said “the quarterback is always the first thing in mind as far as how you move forward with the team,” and when the Rams sit down after the season, they will discuss next steps with Stafford.
McVay also addressed the rib injury Stafford suffered near the end of the season. On Wednesday, Stafford’s wife, Kelly, said on her podcast that Stafford fractured four ribs in Week 15 against the San Francisco 49ers.
McVay said that after that game against the 49ers, the Rams medical staff did imaging of Stafford’s ribs, but “nothing showed up on that imaging.”
“It continued to irritate him, but it didn’t affect his ability to train, anything related to the game,” McVay said. “But he felt some irritation. And then, before the Minnesota game, when he had an MRI, he showed stress reactions. That’s what was communicated to me.”
McVay said the injury “did not limit (Stafford’s) ability to practice.” Stafford never appeared on the injury report after Week 15 and only missed practice time by coach’s decision in Week 18 after the Rams clinched the NFC West.
“He’s as tough as they come,” McVay said. “It’s like anything else, as the season goes on, players accumulate things that they work on when you play as many games as they do.”
Stafford has completed 65.8 percent of his passes for 3,762 yards with 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions this season.
