Concerns Growing Over Los Angeles Rams Quarterback's Elbow

When the Los Angeles Rams first acknowledged quarterback Matthew Stafford was dealing with a persistent elbow issue, they did everything they could to downplay their worries. But Dan Gaziano shared today that he's hearing the ailment could be a season-long concern for the Super Bowl Champion quarterback:

"My impression of the situation is that it affects Stafford's practice schedule all year and could also, obviously, affect his performance on Sunday," Gaziano said.

Word of Stafford's elbow tendinitis first emerged in the early days of training camp:

From Inside Training Camp: #Rams QB Matthew Stafford is dealing with a tendon issue in his throwing elbow that’ll limit his throwing in practice. pic.twitter.com/VDSOswmsDI
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 4, 2022

The Rams acknowledged Stafford had undergone a procedure on the troublesome elbow but were careful to distinguish his treatment from invasive surgery. The team has managed Stafford diligently throughout their practices ever since, limiting his reps and consistently resting him. They've also kept him out of all preseason action, but that's typical for Rams starters; Stafford didn't play in last year's preseason, either.

Stafford's performance was a tale of two halves last year, tallying 309.6 yards per game and a mere four total turnovers across his first eight games but only 267.7 yards per game and an alarming 15 turnovers across the final nine. He righted the ship in the postseason, but nagging injury and discomfort before week one even begins should raise doubts Stafford can put together a more consistent, dominant season than last year's.

The Rams host the Buffalo Bills in the season opener this Thursday on NBC's NFL Kickoff Game.