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It was a remarkable debut season for Matthew Stafford in 2021 with the Los Angeles Rams. After being traded to the Rams from the Detroit Lions, Stafford would lead Los Angeles to their first Super Bowl victory since the 1999 season.
Entering the 2022 campaign, there are lofty expectations for the reigning champions and the veteran signal-caller. But with everyone conducting the majority of their fantasy football drafts closer to the start of the regular season, is Stafford injured? And will he suit up for the Rams in Week 1?
Keep reading below to find out if the strong-armed quarterback is still worth taking in drafts.
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Is Matthew Stafford Injured for Fantasy Football?
Throughout the latter part of last season, Stafford dealt with a couple of different injuries, including an elbow ailment. The same elbow injury is still giving him problems before the upcoming season.
Sean McVay described the elbow injury as a unique one for a quarterback. Los Angeles has put together a plan for Stafford this offseason in hopes to dial-back his workload until the regular season gets underway.
Even with the gunslinging quarterback experiencing discomfort in his elbow, he's continued to make pristine throws in practice.
The Rams continue to make it clear that Stafford's elbow injury is something that can be managed throughout the season. Despite the Pro Bowl quarterback showing toughness in his career, only time will tell if this will become a long-term issue.
Will Matthew Stafford Play in Week 1 of the 2022 NFL Season?
There aren't any signs from the Rams that should indicate that Stafford won't be active in Week 1 versus the Buffalo Bills. In training camp and the other offseason activities, Los Angeles has made sure they aren't overworking the 34-year-old to the point where they could worsen his injury.
The plan all along has been for Stafford to throw in smaller increments to lighten the pressure he's putting on his arm. That's not something you want to hear about a starting quarterback in the NFL, but if there's someone that could play through the injury, it's Stafford.
At the moment, the Rams don't believe Stafford is going to miss any time during the regular season. The former Comeback Player of the Year should continue being a solid source of fantasy production with the duo of Cooper Kupp and Allen Robinson at wide receiver.
That being said, you should probably have a backup plan in place in case Stafford aggravates his elbow injury.
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