Matthew Stafford suffered a finger injury during the Los Angeles Rams’ win over the Carolina Panthers in the NFC Wild Card, and it at least clouded his status for their Divisional Playoff matchup against the Chicago Bears.
Stafford, though, has not wavered from his initial stance.
That is good news for the Rams, who find themselves in a familiar situation with an opportunity to move one step closer to another Super Bowl berth.
Matthew Stafford Dishes on Injury
GettyMatthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams leaves the field after defeating the Carolina Panthers.
Stafford got his finger bent backward during the first half of the Rams’ win over the Panthers, and then proceeded to bump it and get hit multiple times. He finished the contest and spoke optimistically, but was non-committal, after the game and during his presser last week.
It was more of the same from Stafford on Wednesday.
The three-time Pro Bowler and MVP favorite not only expressed confidence in his balky finger but also in his ability to overcome the expected elements.
“Matthew Stafford simply said ‘great’ when asked how his sprained finger feels,” LA Daily’s Adam Grosbard reported on X on January 14. “Said he doesn’t think the weather forecast in Chicago will impact how it feels, and he won’t wear any protection on it.”
Stafford played in all 17 games in 2025 for the first time since the 2021 campaign.
That was the same season that the Rams acquired him from the Detroit Lions and went on to win the Super Bowl.
Stafford led the NFL in passing yards and touchdown throws, while also finishing with 8 interceptions during the regular season. He also had one in the Wild Card Round. Of those 9 total INTs, 8 came on the road, where the Rams will be for the Divisional Playoffs.
There were more positive developments for Stafford and the Rams on the day, too.
Matthew Stafford Gets Good News
GettyMatthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on against the Seattle Seahawks.
Stafford and the Rams welcomed starting right guard Kevin Dotson back to practice on Wednesday, and the QB was surely glad to have one of his top protectors back in place.
“A mountain of a man. He’s a beast when he was playing this year. I thought he was one of the best guards, if not the best guard in the league. So, if we can get him back, obviously, that would be a huge boost. His physicality, his ability to go out there and play is great,” Stafford said. “Also, just the energy he brings. I don’t know if you guys see him celebrating sometimes when we do get stuff. So, he’s a great guy to have out there and be around.”
Stafford expressed confidence in Justin Dedich, who has filled in for Dotson during the latter’s injury absence. Still, Stafford and the Rams would surely prefer to get their full starting offensive line back as they look to extend their postseason run.
To that end, Stafford said the Rams’ focus is clear: win the game, regardless of what it takes.
If Stafford and the Rams win, they will stamp their ticket to the NFC Championship Game to either host the San Francisco 49ers or visit the Seattle Seahawks.
More encouraging for Stafford and the Rams, only one player missed practice on Wednesday, cornerback Darious Williams, and his absence was due to the birth of his child. He is expected to rejoin the team in time for the game.
Rams Get Critical Update on Matthew Stafford Amid Key Development