NFL Rumors: Rams Quarterback Expected Back for Week 12

The Los Angeles Rams are fighting to keep their postseason aspirations alive, but at least they'll have their star passer back in the fold when they face the New Orleans Saints in Week 11. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, quarterback Matthew Stafford is expected to play Sunday.

From NFL Now: #Rams QB Matthew Stafford is expected to be cleared from the NFL's concussion protocol and play Sunday. pic.twitter.com/3ZXjtEjxyj
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 17, 2022

Stafford missed the Rams' Week 10 27-17 loss to the Arizona Cardinals after unexpectedly showing up on the injury report with concussion symptoms. Stafford played every offensive snap of the team's Week 9 16-13 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Rams will need Stafford at the peak of his powers if they're going to dig their way out of the hole they find themselves in. Stafford has turned the ball over 11 times for an offense that has gained the second-fewest yards in the league, but backup quarterback John Wolford is not a viable alternative. He netted 193 passing yards on 39 dropbacks last week and couldn't keep the Rams competitive against the Cardinals.

Stafford joined the Rams via blockbuster trade in the 2021 offseason. He instantly put a consistently competitive Rams over the top, leading them to a Super Bowl victory in his first season with the team. His follow-up season with the Rams has proven a deflating letdown; the offense has regressed from 7th in scoring in 2021 to 29th through 10 weeks of the 2022 regular season.