Rams' Stafford expected to start Week 11 vs. Seahawks

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is expected to start Week 11 against the Seattle Seahawks, head coach Sean McVay said Monday.

Stafford is dealing with a thumb injury that sidelined him for the team's Week 9 matchup against the Green Bay Packers. Los Angeles was on a bye last week.

The 35-year-old is able to grip the ball and throw in individual drills, McVay said, according to Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic. However, McVay added that Stafford is still not 100% and "he'll be pushing through," per Greg Beacham of The Associated Press.

Stafford suffered the injury in the club's Week 8 loss to the Dallas Cowboys after hitting his hand on an opponent's helmet late in the first half. He returned for the second half but was forced to leave for the remainder of the game after catching a two-point conversion in the third quarter.

Los Angeles struggled without its gun-slinger against the Packers, mustering only 187 yards of total offense with Brett Rypein starting at quarterback. Rypein was waived the following week, and the Rams signed free agent Carson Wentz to be Stafford's backup.

Linebacker Ernest Jones (knee) and offensive tackle Rob Havenstein (ankle) are also expected back this week, according to team reporter Stu Jackson.

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