Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is off to a hot start, and Friday brought encouraging news that suggests the trend could continue in their Week 10 rematch against the San Francisco 49ers.
The Rams’ final injury report offered two critical updates for the two-time Pro Bowler and 2021 Super Bowl champion.
Most notably, Stafford’s No. 1 wide receiver, Puka Nacua, is “good to go,” per the Rams.
Matthew Stafford Gets Good News Before Rams Face 49ers
GettyMatthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on during a game against the Baltimore Ravens.
Rams head coach Sean McVay announced before practice on Friday that he expected Nacua and several other players to be good for Sunday’s tilt.
Nacua spoke optimistically about his health following practice on Thursday.
“Feel good. Thursday practice, we made it through. And the juices start flowing, get a couple back slaps on Sunday. I’m like, ‘I’ll be ready to roll,’” Nacua told reporters after practice on November 6. “Felt good. Was … a good run play today. Got popped by one of the guys and made it through. So, I was like, ‘That’s a good sign.’”
Additionally, Jordan Whittington practiced on Friday after back-to-back DNPs.
McVay said beforehand that Whittington would be listed as questionable on the injury report, and he was. However, McVay also said that he expected the second-year wideout to suit up in Week 10 against the 49ers.
The Rams remain without Tutu Atwell, who is on injured reserve with a hamstring issue, and they have already been without Nacua for a contest.
They are trending in an encouraging direction to end the week of preparation, though.
Puka Nacua Encouraged by Rams’ Offensive Progress
GettyPuka Nacua #12 of the Los Angeles Rams on the field after a win over the New Orleans Saints.
“I think it’s something that Coach has been preaching to us from the beginning of the season. Just the … finishing. Playing to the echo of the whistle. That full execution of that entire snap. Just feel like, throughout the season, there’s been moments where we’ve been good in the beginning, good at the end, and parts in the middle haven’t been good,” Nacua said.
“I think putting it all together is something that has been building each week. And we feel like we still got a lot of room to improve, but everybody feels like we’re moving in stride. Captain 9’s got us moving in the right direction.”
“Captain 9” is, of course, Stafford, whose strong start to the season has garnered early MVP considerations and helped the Rams to a 6-2 record.
Nacua made sure to catch his last touchdown “for him,” citing the QB’s toughness.
Nacua got injured on that play, but made sure to haul in the pass for his two-time Pro Bowl and 2021 Super Bowl champion QB. Stafford and the Rams also got a boost on the other side of the ball from Friday’s injury report.
Rams Clear CB Darious Williams
GettyDarious Williams #31 of the Los Angeles Rams reacts after a win against the Tennessee Titans.
In addition to Nacua, the Rams also cleared cornerback Darious Williams, who missed last week’s win over the New Orleans Saints with a shoulder issue.
The Rams acquired cornerback Roger McCreary from the Tennessee Titans before the trade deadline, and they still have Cobie Durant and Emmanuel Forbes. If they can get Ahkello Witherspoon (collarbone) back from injured reserve, the Rams’ secondary will be strong.
The Rams also listed Alaric Jackson, Byron Young, and Tyler Higbee as DNPs on Friday.
However, all three players’ absences were due to rest, not injury, and they carry no designations into the contest.
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