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Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on during a game against the Dallas Cowboys.
Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams are looking to bounce back from a disappointing loss to the Seattle Seahawks on “Thursday Night Football” in Week 16. That challenge is only growing more difficult with the Atlanta Falcons looming on “Monday Night Football” in Week 17.
Stafford is healthy, but his supporting cast has been stricken by the injury bug in recent weeks.
This week, the Rams’ defense expects to get cornerback Roger McCreary back, but it might not have multiple key pieces around Stafford on offense.
Matthew Stafford Could Be Without Davante Adams, Both OTs
GettyMatthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates against the Seattle Seahawks.
Stafford’s health was a significant talking point before the season, but that has since given way to concerns about Davante Adams and the offensive line. Rams head coach Sean McVay said Adams is “doubtful” for the contest.
Moreover, Rams left tackle Alaric Jackson is questionable.
Puka Nacua is still active, as are the Rams’ supporting cast at wideout. Still, Adams is the NFL’s leader in touchdown receptions entering play on Sunday, and he is Stafford’s top red zone target.
However, the Rams are already without starting right tackle Rob Havenstein, whom they opted against activating from IR this week. McVay also officially ruled starting right guard Kevin Dotson out with an ankle issue.
The Rams are facing a capable pass rush from the Falcons on “Monday Night Football.”
Stafford, at 37, gets the ball out quickly, ranking 13th in time to throw despite being fourth in average completed air yards, per Next Gen Stats.
Attrition could get the better of the Rams, though, who could be relying on offseason free agent pickup D.J. Humphries in Jackson’s place. The Falcons rank second in the NFL in sacks with 50 on the season entering Sunday’s slate of games.
Rams Get Trade Pickup Back at Right
GettyRoger McCreary #21 of the Tennessee Titans celebrates an interception against the Denver Broncos.
The Rams acquired McCreary from the Tennessee Titans at the 2025 trade deadline. He has been sidelined since Week 12 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but he could not be returning at a better time for the Rams.
The Rams also ruled out cornerback Josh Wallace.
“McVay said they thought Wallace’s ankle ‘was going to feel better than what it has,’ and that ‘nobody wants to play more than he does,’ but ‘just didn’t make quite the progress for the position he’s in for us to think that would be responsible,’” TheRams.com’s Stu Jackson reported on X on December 27.
McVay noted earlier in the week that the Rams were opening McCreary’s 21-day practice window. The idea was always that he would play against the Falcons.
McCreary’s absence is just one of several the Rams have had to navigate this season. They had done well to avoid similar issues on offense for extended or repeated periods. That is, outside of tight end Tyler Higbee, who remains on IR with Havenstein.
That is being put to the test this week, with plenty of decisions still up in the air.
Stafford and the Rams are looking to regain any advantage toward hosting playoff games that they can. They must dispatch the Falcons on “Monday Night Football” in Week 17 first.
Josh Buckhalter covers the NBA and NFL for Heavy.com. He has covered both leagues since 2016, including bylines at FanSided, Last Word on Sports and Clocker Sports. He’s based in Villa Park, Illinois. Follow Josh on Twitter and Instagram: @JoshGBuck More about Josh Buckhalter
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