Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is going through an unsure future within the NFL. The Tremendous Bowl champion hasn’t featured for the Rams since their Week 11 loss to the New Orleans Saints.
Head coach Sean McVay positioned the quarterback on injured reserve, doubtless ending his 2022 season. The damage had been considerably of a thriller. McVay instructed reporters after Sunday’s Seattle sport that Stafford has a spinal contusion.
Given the character of the quarterback place and the fixed hits gamers take, having a spinal twine damage is lower than ultimate. Dr. David Chao, for one, is worried about Stafford’s long-term well being. In a video on his YouTube channel, he detailed that the quarterback and his household have a selection – get surgical procedure to right it, or retire:
“It appears Matthew Stafford and his household may have a selection this offseason. Both do one thing to right the danger of additional spinal twine contusion and potential everlasting harm, normally with a neck surgical procedure, fusion surgical procedure, decompression surgical procedure of some sort, which you’ll be able to return to play. Or you possibly can determine to hold it up after 14 seasons and a Tremendous Bowl ring.”
Many thought the quarterback was coping with a concussion, but it surely’s clearly his spinal twine. As Chao acknowledged in his video, that’s not one thing to fiddle with. The offseason appears to be like to be a fairly huge one for the Rams quantity 9.
May Matthew Stafford actually retire?
Going by Chao’s feedback, there might be an actual risk that the 34-year-old hangs up the cleats at season’s finish. Whereas not dominated out for your complete 12 months, in the case of accidents to the backbone, excessive warning have to be taken.
Trying on the quarterback’s profession, there is not actually any want for him to proceed within the face of that kind of damage. He has performed for 14 years within the NFL and has his Tremendous Bowl ring. There’s nothing left for him to show to anybody, so perhaps calling it quits to deal with his well being is not the worst concept.
Former Carolina Panthers star Luke Kuechly did one thing comparable and retired in 2020, being simply over 30 years outdated as he prioritized his well being over soccer. Given the gravity of Stafford’s scenario, maybe he ought to do the identical.
In the event you use any of the above quotes, please credit score David Chao and H/T Sportskeeda.
