THOUSAND OAKS — For a third consecutive day, Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford did not participate in practice Friday as he continues to deal with a sprained UCL in his right thumb. The Rams will list him as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Green Bay Packers, with a decision on his status potentially coming down to pregame warmups.
Rams head coach Sean McVay offered a vague update on the swelling in Stafford’s thumb, simply saying, “I think it’s progressing well.” But when asked directly twice whether Stafford can grip a football, McVay was more evasive.
“Making good progress every day,” the coach said.
McVay said team doctors have told him there is no risk of aggravating the injury if Stafford plays Sunday. While McVay acknowledged the possibility that the team decides he is unable to play Saturday, the plan is to allow Stafford the opportunity to warm up at Lambeau Field and see if he is able to go at the last moment.
But that would require Stafford to show the coaching and medical staffs that he is able to handle the football and throw somewhere approximating his usual ability.
“If you can’t grip a football, what are we talking about, right?” McVay said. “Especially when it’s on the throwing hand of a guy that that’s his special skill and that’s a natural thing that you need to be able to do. But we’ll take it a day at a time. This is kind of what we had expected. You gotta be able to have a plan for both he or [backup Brett Rypien].”
Stafford won’t be the only game-time decision on Sunday. Right tackle Rob Havenstein also did not practice this week due to a calf injury, and will be listed as questionable with a game-time decision determining his fate against the Packers.
If he is unable to play against Green Bay, the Rams would again turn to Joe Noteboom, who started at right tackle in Havenstein’s place last week against the Dallas Cowboys. Noteboom has now played three positions for the Rams this year – both tackle spots and his usual job at right guard.
“He’s done well,” McVay said. “Joe is an incredibly valuable piece to us. And his ability to start at multiple spots, both guards, both tackles, and really play good, quality football. I think for him it’s the comfortability. … You do basically truly have a starter whether he’s playing guard or tackle.”
JONES OUT
Linebacker Ernest Jones will miss Sunday’s game with a knee injury, McVay said Friday.
Jones has been dealing with the injury for three weeks now, with it limiting him or holding him out of practice. But he had been able to play through it to this point. McVay said the hope is that by keeping Jones out this week, he’s able to return fully healthy following next week’s bye.
With Jones out, safety Jordan Fuller will wear the green dot and relay plays to the rest of the defense.
BRIEFLY
Receiver Puka Nacua (knee), defensive tackle Larrell Murchison (knee) and cornerback Cobie Durant (shoulder) will all be listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Packers. All three have been limited participants in practice this week.
