News Article
Published
Oct 22, 2026 at 11:39 AM EDT
Fantasy managers see a roster problem when a player goes down, but Matthew Stafford sees a teammate robbed of the work he put in.
The Los Angeles Rams quarterback addressed his team’s injury list on Oct. 21. Head coach Sean McVay expects wide receiver Davante Adams to sit six to 10 weeks with an injured hamstring.
Stafford, the reigning NFL MVP, said fan reactions miss the real loss.
“Everybody sees these and they’re on their fantasy team or whatever, and they’re like, ‘I gotta trade a guy in and out now.’ And we’re like, ‘That guy’s worked his [expletive] off for eight months to get this opportunity and it’s unfortunate he doesn’t get to do what he loves to do,’” Stafford said.
Stafford said sitting out eats at Adams. “I know how hard he works to be out there for us, and when he’s not able to do that it tears him up,” he added.
Los Angeles fell to 2-4 with an 18-16 loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Oct. 18, its second straight defeat.
Defensive lineman Poona Ford ruptured his triceps in that game and is done for the year. Fellow lineman Kobie Turner, who strained his groin, went to injured reserve.
On the injury report, All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie didn’t practice Oct. 21 after a groin issue kept him out against Arizona.
McVay said Oct. 19 that linebacker Nate Landman is going through the concussion protocol. Edge rusher Myles Garrett and tight end Terrance Ferguson are still on IR.
In his 18th NFL season, Stafford has 11 touchdown passes and six interceptions. He sees this slide as a leadership test.
“That’s when my role becomes even more important as a leader, as somebody that can try and help steady the ship for us,” he said.
He wants the Rams in the playoff race once Adams, Garrett and others return, and he said the goal is to “make sure that when they come back and play for us it’s meaningful.”
The Rams visit the Las Vegas Raiders on Oct. 25, then face the Los Angeles Chargers, Washington Commanders, and Cardinals before their bye.