Rams HC Sean McVay reveals Matthew Stafford has UCL sprain in right thumb

Los Angeles Rams (3-5) head coach Sean McVay confirmed Monday that quarterback Matthew Stafford suffered a UCL sprain his right thumb during the 43-20 Week 8 defeat to the Dallas Cowboys (5-2) Sunday.

McVay classified Stafford as day-to-day with the injury.

“I think we’re taking it a day at a time,” McVay said, via the team’s website. “We definitely have to get some contingency plans in order. We’ve obviously got [backup quarterback] Brett [Rypien] on the roster, and there’s some other possibilities that we’ll explore and that we’re in the midst of working through once I get off with you guys today.”

McVay said that Stafford suffered the injury on the Rams’ successful 2-point conversion in the third quarter. While diving to make the grab, Stafford’s thumb got caught in the turf. Stafford exited the game after the play and did not return. Earlier in the game, Stafford hit his thumb on the helmet of a Cowboys defensive lineman. McVay said that doctors checked out Stafford’s thumb after the drive, and that it was stable.

Rams looking for Brett Rypien to step up after injury to Matthew Stafford

Stafford completed 13-of-22 passes for 162 yards, one touchdown and one interception before leaving the game. Stafford was replaced under center by Rypien, who threw for 42 yards on 5-of-10 passing.

McVay praised Rypien for his work in leading the scout team offense during practice over the last several weeks.

“He’s done a great job,” McVay said. “I think he improved. He approaches every single week with an intentionality to really be able to say, ‘Alright, if these are the reps that I’m getting, how can I get better? How can I play within the timing and rhythm?’ I think he’s done a great job of mimicking and emulating the opposing team’s quarterback, the cadence, all those different things. But I just think the consistency at which he’s approached his craft and the intentionality has allowed him to improve. He’s done a really nice job with that role.”

McVay added that Los Angeles will sign another quarterback. It won’t, however, be John Wolford, who spent four seasons with the Rams (2019-22) and is familiar with the offense. The Rams attempted to sign Wolford off the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ practice squad, but the 28-year-old wanted to stay in Tampa Bay.