Rams QB Matthew Stafford 'good to go' vs. Bears despite finger sprain

Field Level Media|published: Mon 12th January, 13:12 2026

NFL: NFC Wild Card Round-Los Angeles Rams at Carolina Panthers

Jan 10, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) drops back to pass against the Carolina Panthers in the first half during the NFC Wild Card Round game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is "good to go" for next Sunday's divisional round game at Chicago despite sustaining a sprained index finger on his throwing hand in Saturday's wild-card win at Carolina, coach Sean McVay told reporters Monday.

The injury occurred late in the first half when Stafford's hand hit a helmet on the follow-through of a pass to Puka Nacua. Stafford told reporters after the game that his finger bent backward, but it was reported Sunday that X-rays on the finger were negative.

"He's as tough as it gets, but he's feeling good," McVay said. "He had a sprain on the index finger, but he was able to push through it. He's as tough as it gets and will be good to go."

Stafford, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, earned his first career first-team All-Pro honor on Saturday. He set a career high during the regular season with 46 touchdown passes to go along with 4,707 yards and is the betting favorite to win his first MVP award.

Stafford completed 24 of 42 passes for 304 yards, three touchdowns and an interception in Saturday's 34-31 win, delivering a decisive 19-yard touchdown pass to Colby Parkinson with 38 seconds left.

Stafford has a great deal of familiarity with the Bears from his 12 seasons with the Detroit Lions. He has a 12-10 record in 22 career games against Chicago with 35 touchdown passes and 24 interceptions, more than he has thrown against any other team.

--Field Level Media