Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams received good news on multiple fronts ahead of their Week 9 matchup against the New Orleans Saints. It starts by getting his top playmaker, Puka Nacua, back after a one-game absence with an ankle injury.
It does not stop there, though.
The Rams are 2-2 coming out of the bye week with Stafford. They are 5-3 with head coach Sean McVay at the helm and are facing a 1-7 Saints team in Week 9.
Matthew Stafford Gets Good News Before Rams-Saints
GettyPuka Nacua #12 of the Los Angeles Rams reacts after a first down against the Baltimore Ravens.
Stafford was effective against the Jacksonville Jaguars without Nacua, passing for 182 yards on 63.6% completion, but also setting an international record with 5 touchdown throws.
The Rams were also without Tutu Atwell, who is on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. Nacua logged back-to-back full practices to end the week, has no injury designation on the final report, and McVay said the Pro Bowler “looked good” on the field.
“He’s feeling good. And I think what’s important, … is his style of play. You want him to feel as good as possible just because of all the different things that we ask of him for his game to fully come to life. He’s done a great job working with our group, with [Rams vice president of sports medicine and performance Reggie Scott] and his group, to be able to get himself back feeling good. Had a little bit of soreness, but that’s how he’s always feeling. But he looked really good in practice. Got two really good work days,” McVay told reporters on October 31.
“He’ll be ready to roll, and he’s looked good.”
He still leads the NFL in targets and first-down receptions, but he led the league in receiving yards before suffering his injury.
Stafford threw 3 TDs to Davante Adams during Nacua’s absence, and the veteran quarterback avoided taking a sack in a game for the first time this season against the Jaguars. Now, they face a Saints team that ranks 15th overall and 24th in scoring defensively.
Rams Super Bowl Champion Returns to Field
GettyRob Havenstein #79 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on during the game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Stafford’s protection will get a boost from the return of Rams starting right tackle Rob Havenstein against the Saints.
Havenstein upgraded to a full session to cap the week of practice and shed his designation, just as Nacua did. Havenstein was a member of the Rams’ Super Bowl team in 2021. He has been sidelined since Week 4, when he and the Rams defeated the Indianapolis Colts in LA.
McVay lauded Havenstein and the veteran’s fill-in, Warren McClendon.
“It’s great to be able to have Rob back out there,” McVay said. “He’s a fighter, man, and he battles, and he’s got great experience. Just his wisdom, his leadership.
“I feel really good about what Warren McClendon has done. Just the maturity, the play, and all that. I think that’s a tremendous credit to Warren, but also to Rob, and Rob has looked good. We’re glad to be able to have Rob back out there, and I think he’s feeling good as well.”
Rams Secondary Takes Hit
GettyDarious Williams #31 of the Los Angeles Rams reacts after a win against the Tennessee Titans.
McVay did say Rams cornerback Darious Williams is doubtful for this game. The Rams will trot out trade acquisition Roger McCreary. But Williams, who McVay suggested could return in Week 10 against the San Francisco 49ers, is the second starter lost to injury.
Ahkello Witherspoon is on injured reserve with a broken collarbone.
Even with the Rams’ strong pass rush, Stafford and the offense could need to keep their foot on the gas to make up for and even protect their pathwork secondary.
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