Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford will undergo tests on Sunday, January 8, 2023, to evaluate an injury to his throwing hand. This decision follows a tense game where the Rams secured a narrow 34-31 victory over the Carolina Panthers in the NFC wild-card round. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, a source confirmed the tests aim to determine the severity of Stafford’s injury.
During the game, Stafford sustained the injury after colliding with a Panthers defender while attempting a pass late in the first half. The quarterback reported that his finger bent backward during the play but managed to continue playing, attributing his ability to finish the game to “adrenaline.”
“It wasn’t pleasant,” Stafford remarked, reflecting on the discomfort. “It wasn’t great. We’ll see what it is.” His determination did not go unnoticed; he completed 24 of 42 passes for a total of 304 yards, throwing three touchdown passes along with one interception. This performance was critical in leading the Rams (with a season record of 13-5) to the next stage of the playoffs.
As the Rams prepare for the NFC divisional round, the focus will be on Stafford’s health. The team’s medical staff has not released specific details regarding his condition, leaving fans and analysts eager for results from the upcoming tests.
Stafford’s resilience and leadership continue to bolster his reputation as a candidate for the Most Valuable Player award this season, further adding to the significance of his health as the playoffs progress. As the team looks ahead, the outcome of these tests will play a crucial role in their strategy moving forward.
