Alex Gallardo-Imagn Images

Matthew Stafford, Rams Dealt Bad News on Friday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Jan 23, 2026 5:10 PM ET

Matthew Stafford and the No. 5 seed Los Angeles Rams are just one win away from a trip to Super Bowl LX after taking down Caleb Williams and the No. 2 seed Chicago Bears 20-17 in overtime. Now, the Rams will be hitting the road once again for the NFC championship, facing Sam Darnold and the No. 1 seed Seattle Seahawks.

Stafford has had arguably the best season of his 17-year NFL career in 2025. With two Pro Bowl-caliber wide receivers in Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, the Rams quarterback made a case for his first MVP award during the regular season, completing 388-of-597 passes for 4,707 yards, a league-high 46 touchdowns and eight interceptions.

And while Stafford has continued his success into the postseason, he will, once again, be without a key member of the offensive line.

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9).Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Rob Havenstein has been with the Rams since the 2015 NFL season, when they were still in St. Louis. He earned the starting right tackle role during his rookie season, not allowing a single sack. Havenstein has remained in the role for the past 11 seasons, even helping the Rams win Super Bowl LVI.

Havenstein opened the 2025 NFL season in the same position, appearing in seven games through the first 11 weeks. However, following the Rams’ Week 11 win over Seattle, Los Angeles placed him on injured reserve with an ankle injury and knee bursitis, sidelining the tackle for the remainder of the regular season and the first two playoff games.

But leading up to the NFC championship, the Rams opened the practice window for Havenstein, giving hope that he could play against the Seahawks. However, on Friday, head coach Sean McVay revealed that Havenstein would remain out against Seattle, leaving Stafford without his starting right tackle once again.

"Sean McVay also said OL Rob Havenstein (ankle) will be out for Sunday's NFC Championship game against the Seahawks," Rams senior staff writer Stu Jackson wrote on X.

Sean McVay also said OL Rob Havenstein (ankle) will be out for Sunday's NFC Championship game against the Seahawks.
— Stu Jackson (@StuJRams) January 23, 2026