The Los Angeles Rams have been in a pickle for quite a while now. From the looks of things, they do not seem to let up the difficulties anytime soon. As they sit 3-5 in the NFL and 3rd in their division, the Rams are dealt yet another blow with the latest developments. Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua will be sorely ruing the latest injury blow to Matthew Stafford and their playoff hopes.

Their saving grace has been a decent QB and WR partnership that has worked wonders for them in moments. But that is about to change following the latest news.

Matthew Stafford shaped hole in Rams’ offense

The Rams have been struggling for form ever since the NFL kicked off back in September. This is clear with the fact that they’re yet to win back-to-back games this season, with 2 of their 3 wins coming against tumbling teams in Colts and Cardinals. While they did go on to beat the Seattle Seahawks in their opener, it doesn’t paper over the cracks in totality. Besides their form, Matthew Stafford’s injury will heap further pressure on the team.

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Matthew Stafford is now named unavailable for their NFC clash against the Green Bay Packers. The injury has forced them to name their backup QB, Bret Rypien as the starter for the Week 9 clash against Green Bay. This comes after the fact that he was designated as questionable following a persisting thumb injury. The injury couldn’t have come at a worse time for the Rams as the week following the Packers clash allows them to recuperate in their bye week and recover from any lingering injuries.

This will be yet another headache and conundrum for Sean McVay as the Rams’ dwindling playoff hopes take yet another hit. Although their backup Bret Rypien has over 4 years of experience in the NFL with the Rams and Broncos. Rypien has only ever managed 9 league appearances across the two teams. Will the emergency step-up force the Rams to miss Stafford, or will the backup ably hold the fort amidst Stafford’s absence?

Will Stafford be missed?

Matthew Stafford entered 2023 as his 3rd year for the Los Angeles Rams. In his time, he has put in over 10,000 yards across 34 games alongside a Super Bowl win. Stafford is 8th in the NFL charts with 2070 passing yards for the LA Rams in 2023. He has been plagued with injuries in the last couple of seasons as he could only muster 9 appearances in 2022. The Rams crashed out of the division last season, and a similar fate could be upon them in 2023. With Bret Rypien set to step in, he brings limited experience but has had the chance to learn from Russell Wilson and Matthew Stafford.

In his 9 games, Rypien has only ever managed to put up over 100 yards twice, both with the Broncos. While opportunities have been minimal, Rypien has shown glimpses of how good he can be, with wins against the Cardinals and Jets in the past. Whether he can bring that side out will be deciphered on the gridiron.

Although the injury to Stafford will be a heavy blow, fans can hope for a positive outcome against the Packers. With the pressure on Rypien set to reach boiling point, this game could secure his and the Rams’ fate.

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