For the second consecutive week Rams’ Matthew Stafford is forced out with concussion. What happens now?
The Rams and their quarterback now have a headache on their hands, after he left the field concussed, while the team fell to yet another loss.
Just a week after missing his team’s loss to the Cardinals due to a concussion, the Rams’ signal caller is back protocols for the same reason following a heavy sack during his team’s loss on Sunday.
Matthew Stafford exits game against Saints with concussion
On Sunday, defending the defending Super Bowl champions, Los Angeles Rams took on the New Orleans Saints in an NFL Week 11 clash that quite frankly, they needed to win. Sitting on a record of 3-6 heading into the game, LA’s playoff hopes weren’t good to begin with, however, they now have an even bigger worry after quarterback Matthew Stafford was forced off of the field with what looked like a concussion, following a sack. Worse still, is the fact that Stafford had only just returned to the lineup following a week out for the same reason. The play itself occurred in the third quarter and though he initially sought medical assistance on the sideline, Stafford would soon make his way to the locker room and did not return. The Rams were leading 14-10 at the time.
What did the Rams do after Matthew Stafford went out?
Though he was not officially ruled out, the Rams quickly replaced Stafford with Bryce Perkins. The third-year veteran was undrafted in 2020 and actually started this season as the Rams’ third-string QB behind Stafford and John Woolford. Where the latter is concerned, he was unfortunately ruled out of Sunday’s game following a neck injury which he suffered in that fateful loss to the Cardinals. Though there has been no official word, on whether Stafford experienced symptoms from his initial concussion against the Cardinals, while playing against the Saints, it’s worth noting that the Super Bowl champion cleared concussion protocols only a few days before the clash with the Saints. As for Perkins, the replacement QB is sadly one of a few stand-ins that the Rams have been forced to use with the likes of Joe Noteboom, Brian Allen and star wide receiver Cooper Kupp all sidelined by injury.
The Rams’ roster is in bad shape
Though it’s clear that Stafford’s exit was a major turning point in the game that they were leading, the Rams now find themselves with a record of 7-3 after succumbing to the Saints in a 27-20 loss. Before taking his leave, Stafford completed 11 of 18 passes for 159 yards and two touchdowns. Perkins could only muster 5 of 10 for 64 yards, but did rush for 39 yards on five carries. Yet, it was a case of too little, too late. With that, the Rams now sit at the bottom of the NFC West and will head to Kansas City next where they will take on the Chiefs in Week 12. Barring a situation where Stafford clears protocols - we’re not banking on it - Perkins will be in line for a start.