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 harm had been considerably of a thriller. McVay advised 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 harm is lower than ultimate. Dr. David Chao, for one, is anxious 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 appropriate it, or retire:
“It appears Matthew Stafford and his household may have a selection this offseason. Both do one thing to appropriate the chance of additional spinal twine contusion and potential everlasting harm, often with a neck surgical procedure, fusion surgical procedure, decompression surgical procedure of some sort, which you’ll return to play. Or you’ll be able to resolve to hold it up after 14 seasons and a Tremendous Bowl ring.”
Many thought the quarterback was coping with a concussion, nevertheless it’s clearly his spinal twine. As Chao said in his video, that’s not one thing to fiddle with. The offseason seems to be to be a reasonably large one for the Rams quantity 9.
Might Matthew Stafford actually retire?
Going by Chao’s feedback, there could possibly be an actual chance that the 34-year-old hangs up the cleats at season’s finish. Whereas not dominated out for your complete 12 months, on the subject 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 sort of harm. 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 related and retired in 2020, being simply over 30 years previous as he prioritized his well being over soccer. Given the gravity of Stafford’s scenario, maybe he ought to do the identical.
Should you use any of the above quotes, please credit score David Chao and H/T Sportskeeda.