Is Matthew Stafford expected to play in the upcoming game against the Bears?

Yes, Rams QB Matthew Stafford has been cleared to play through an index-finger sprain for the divisional matchup with the Chicago Bears.

What is the status of Ahkello Witherspoon's injury?

Cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon reinjured his shoulder blade and has been placed on injured reserve, missing the rest of the Rams' season.

How did Stafford perform in the wild-card game despite his injury?

Stafford threw for 304 yards and three touchdowns, leading a late game-winning drive in the wild-card win over Carolina.

Who is replacing Witherspoon at cornerback for the Rams?

Cobie Durant has moved into the starting cornerback role earlier in the season, highlighting secondary depth concerns.

4 sources

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1M ago

Stafford Cleared to Play; Witherspoon Out for Season, McVay Says

Rams QB Matthew Stafford cleared to play through an index-finger sprain for divisional matchup with Bears; CB Ahkello Witherspoon placed on injured reserve for season.

Overview

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, an MVP candidate, is expected to play Sunday against the Chicago Bears despite an index-finger sprain sustained during the wild-card win over Carolina.

Tests showed only a sprain; Stafford played through the injury, throwing for 304 yards and three touchdowns in the wild-card victory and leading a late game-winning drive.

Cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon reinjured his shoulder blade at Carolina, will be placed on injured reserve and will miss the rest of the Rams' season.

Coach Sean McVay said right guard Kevin Dotson has 'a good chance' to return from a sprained ankle this weekend, potentially shoring up Los Angeles' rushing attack.

Cobie Durant moved into the starting cornerback role earlier in the season; Witherspoon's absence underscores secondary depth concerns heading into the divisional-round matchup.

Written using shared reports from

4 sources

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Analysis

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Center-leaning sources employ mild editorial framing: they lead by emphasizing Stafford’s expected availability and resilience, using evaluative phrases (MVP candidate, dramatic comeback) and labeling the secondary as a 'weakest link'. Coach quotes are presented as source content, while broader medical detail and player perspectives are largely omitted.

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Sources (4)

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Rams QB Matt Stafford injures throwing hand, but will be 'good to go' for playoff game vs. Bears

Chicago Sun-Times•1M ago

Matthew Stafford is healthy, but Rams CB Ahkello Witherspoon is out for season after playoff injury

Associated Press•1M ago

Rams QB Matthew Stafford (finger sprain) expected to play vs. Bears, but CB Ahkello Witherspoon out for season

Chicago Tribune•1M ago

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Matthew Stafford injury update: Sean McVay says Rams QB 'good to go'

USA TODAY•1M ago

FAQ

Dig deeper on this story with frequently asked questions.

: Yes, Rams QB Matthew Stafford has been cleared to play through an index-finger sprain for the divisional matchup with the Chicago Bears.
Sources:
therams.com
: Cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon reinjured his shoulder blade and has been placed on injured reserve, missing the rest of the Rams' season.
Sources:
therams.com
: Stafford threw for 304 yards and three touchdowns, leading a late game-winning drive in the wild-card win over Carolina.
Sources:
therams.com
: Cobie Durant has moved into the starting cornerback role earlier in the season, highlighting secondary depth concerns.
Sources:
therams.com
: Coach Sean McVay said Kevin Dotson has a good chance to return from a sprained ankle for the weekend game.
Sources:
therams.com

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