Quarterback Matthew Stafford’s right thumb injury has led to a change in the Los Angeles Rams’ plans for Week 9, with Brett Rypien stepping in as the starter. Stafford’s absence is confirmed, as reported by NFL Network insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero on Saturday, citing reliable sources.
Rypien took over for Stafford during the Rams’ Week 8 matchup against the Cowboys after Stafford sustained a sprained UCL in his right thumb. Head coach Sean McVay announced on Monday that Stafford, who did not participate in practice this week, would be considered day-to-day. With a bye week on the horizon after Sunday’s game, Los Angeles is hoping that Stafford’s absence will be limited to just this one game.
Stafford has posted solid numbers this season, with 2,070 passing yards, eight touchdowns, and seven interceptions in eight games with the Rams. Despite some less-than-stellar statistics, the experienced quarterback has displayed his signature velocity and accuracy on his throws, making his absence a significant setback for the Rams.
As for Rypien, his last start was in Week 15 of the previous season while he was with the Denver Broncos, where he secured a victory against the Arizona Cardinals. Rypien’s NFL journey began as an undrafted free agent with the Denver Broncos in 2019, and he has accumulated 820 passing yards, four touchdowns, and eight interceptions in nine games. Notably, he boasts a 2-1 record as a starter, which is not far off from his counterpart for Sunday, 25-year-old Jordan Love, who holds a 2-6 record as a starter.
The Rams, currently at a 3-5 record, are set to face the Packers, with a 2-5 record, in their Week 9 game. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, with Rypien taking the reins for Los Angeles in the absence of Stafford.
