A question emerged about Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford’s throwing arm after reporters spotted ice on it following Sunday’s game against the Chargers. On Monday, coach Sean McVay called it “soreness” but otherwise deferred to Stafford for any specific questions.
On Wednesday, Stafford was asked specific questions.
“It feels good,” Stafford said regarding what was described by the team as a right elbow injury on Wednesday. “Full practice as I have been all year and hope to continue to be that way.”
So why did he have an ice pack on his elbow when he left the locker room on Sunday?
“You guys have been blind,” Stafford said with a laugh and a smile. “I feel like I’ve been icing my arm every day out here walking around. That’s on you guys. You all are the ones that are out there reporting that I have ice on my arm. Listen, I’m 38 years old trying to keep up with these young bucks. A little bit of soreness and stuff that is not uncommon this time of year. Again, I haven’t missed a rep at practice. I haven’t missed a rep in a game and I feel good. I’m not too worried about it.”
As Simms pointed out on PFT Live, elbow soreness is uncommon at this stage of the season. Quarterbacks throw less during practice in the regular season. If soreness is going to happen, it’s going to happen during training camp.
It’s hard not to wonder whether the Rams disclosed Stafford as having an elbow specifically because someone finally noticed, and asked about, the ice (if, as Stafford claims, he has constantly been icing the elbow). If it’s no big deal, why list the right elbow on the first injury report prior to the Week 9 game at Washington?
There are plenty of strategic reasons to not list an elbow issue. In 2019, the Steelers concealed quarterback Ben Roethlisberger’s elbow problem. Then, in Week 2, he suffered a season-ending, non-contact elbow injury. The Steelers and coach Mike Tomlin eventually were fined, $75,000 and $25,000, respectively, for not disclosing the elbow issue.
As to Stafford, it’s something to monitor. Especially since he’s 38 and has thrown thousands of passes. Something in the elbow is bothering him.
And it could be affecting the number of pass plays the Rams are calling during games. After throwing for more than 50 passes in Week 3 (55), Week 4 (51), and Week 5 (54), he has thrown 33 in Week 6, 29 in Week 7, and 25 in Week 8.
While, for now, it’s not impacting his ability to take his regular complement of practice snaps, it could be impacting his ability to generate maximum force and velocity on his throws. And, eventually, it could get worse.
Stafford has played through many injuries during his career. He’ll play through this one, too. Unless and until he physically can’t.