Rams' Matthew Stafford laughs off concerns about potential elbow injury

While the Los Angeles Rams improved to 4-4 on the season when they earned a 24-9 win over the Los Angeles Chargers on Nov. 1, eyebrows were raised when Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford was spotted wearing a bag of ice around his right (throwing) elbow following that game. 

On Wednesday, reporters asked Stafford whether he is dealing with a worrisome physical setback at the halfway point of the season.

Matthew Stafford insists icing his throwing arm is nothing new

"You guys have been blind," Stafford jokingly remarked, per Michael Duarte of The California Post. "I feel like I've been icing my arm every day out here walking around. That's on you guys."

Stafford wasn't lying in that he has a history of dealing with discomfort in his throwing arm during summers and seasons. Against the Chargers, the reigning NFL Most Valuable Player completed 17-of-25 pass attempts for 157 yards with one touchdown and one interception. 

"Listen, I'm 38 years old trying to keep up with these young bucks," Stafford added about needing the ice. "A little bit of soreness and stuff that is not uncommon this time of year." 

Will Matthew Stafford be good to go for Week 9? 

ESPN stats show that Stafford began Thursday ranked third in the league with 303 pass attempts and second with 2,146 passing yards on the season. On Wednesday, he suggested that he'll be ready to sling it when the Rams play at the 2-4-1 Washington Commanders this coming Sunday.

"I haven't missed a rep at practice," Stafford added. "I haven't missed a rep in a game, and I feel good. I'm not too worried about it."

As of Thursday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook had the Rams as 5.5-point road favorites over the Commanders. Following that matchup, Stafford and Co. will play at the Arizona Cardinals on Nov. 15. 

The Rams' bye arrives after the Cardinals game, meaning Stafford is a couple of weeks away from having an opportunity to rest his throwing arm. That said, it sounds like he is confident he'll feel just fine when he plays at Washington's Northwest Stadium.