Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford might not return in the 2022 season, ESPN reported Sunday.
Stafford, who led the Rams to a Super Bowl victory in February, won't play Sunday at the Kansas City Chiefs. He has a strained neck and also has been in concussion protocol twice this month.
The 34-year-old Stafford was removed from last Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints after absorbing a hit that coach Sean McVay said left Stafford with some numbness in his legs.
Bryce Perkins is expected to make his first NFL start at quarterback for the Rams. Perkins, 25, filled in for Stafford last Sunday and was 5-of-10 passing for 64 yards. He ran five times for 39 yards, but the Saints also sacked him three times.
ESPN said that if the Rams (3-7) can go on a winning streak, then Stafford could rest and return to action if a playoff berth is on the line. McVay, however, told reporters earlier this week that he wouldn't rule out keeping Stafford out for the remainder of the season.
Stafford has thrown for 2,087 yards with 10 touchdowns and eight interceptions on the season.
In March, he signed a four-year, $160 million contract extention with the Rams, which included a $60 million signing bonus and $130 million in guaranteed money.
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