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Rams QB Matthew Stafford in concussion protocol, could miss Week 10 Cardinals matchup

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Mattew Stafford is in concussion protocol, head coach Sean McVay told reporters Wednesday in an unexpected announcement.

While it’s unclear when exactly Stafford was injured, McVay explained that the quarterback was being routinely examined after the Rams 16-13 loss to the Tampa Buccaneers on Sunday when the decision to place him in protocols was made.

“They felt like that was the best thing for him and that’s kind of where we are with it,” McVay said.

Stafford was hit eight times and sacked four times in the loss. With 28, he's the third-most sacked quarterback in the NFL this season.

McVay mirrored the statement he made regarding Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's scary situation in the presser, saying "It's more important about the person than the player."

While he added that the plan is to take it “a day at a time” with Stafford, that will really be the team’s only option. There are no shortcuts through concussion protocol, especially now.

The reigning Super Bowl champions have seen some issues this season. The team sits at 3-5 with an offense that has scored less than 20 points a game in four of the last five matchups.

Though Stafford recently tied Dan Marino for most Pick-6s in NFL history, the team could miss him this week if he's not able to clear concussion protocols by Sunday's matchup with the Arizona Cardinals.

Stafford's backup, John Wolford, started his only game in 2020. The Rams beat the Arizona Cardinals, 18-7, with Wolford going 22-for-38 with no touchdowns and one interception. He rushed six times for 56 yards.

He saw the field in three games last season, passing just four times with one completion for 25 yards.

Bryce Perkins is the third quarterback on the depth chart and could also potentially see the field Sunday, though he hasn't played in a regular season game yet.