Rams' Sean McVay expects Matthew Stafford to have healthy offseason amid retirement whispers
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay has declared that Matthew Stafford is approaching a healthy offseason amid whispers that the quarterback could retire this winter.
Per Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic, McVay told reporters Friday that Stafford will not need a procedure "as far as he is aware" to repair the spinal cord contusion that has likely ended the 34-year-old's season:
Stafford first entered the concussion protocol last month following the Week 9 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and missed the subsequent game against the Arizona Cardinals. He returned versus the New Orleans Saints on Nov. 20 but was again evaluated for a concussion that afternoon, and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport then hinted the following day that Stafford may not return this season or for the 2023 campaign.
McVay later insisted Stafford would "want to play" unless he was shut down and placed on injured reserve, which is what happened last weekend.
Earlier this week, former player and current Westwood One Analyst Ross Tucker explained on the CBS Sports "Maggie and Perloff" show that Stafford ultimately may have to retire because of the neck issue if he elects against having surgery. Tucker pointed out Stafford has earned a small fortune and also a Super Bowl ring, meaning the signal-caller has nothing left to prove as a player and little reason to risk his long-term health.
It's also worth noting that both Colin Cowherd and Dan Patrick suggested this week that McVay could ditch the Rams for a broadcasting gig as soon as January or February.
In short, there are several indications the Rams could be on the cusp of a major reset this offseason.
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