Matthew Stafford reveals why he was 'scared' for his career after 2023 game vs Cowboys

Matthew Stafford finished the 2023 season closer in line with his performance during the team's 2021 ride to the Super Bowl. However, for about a third of the season, the quarterback was in the midst of continuing the themes from his injury-plagued 2022 season. That's because the quarterback suffered a thumb injury near the middle of the 2023 season.

Speaking about the injury in a Monday article with Sports Illustrated, Stafford confessed that he thought his career might be in jeopardy:

“Halfway through the season in the Dallas game, I thought I was done for my season, maybe career, depending on what it was going to look like under imaging. Lucky enough that it was mild enough to where I could splint it for six games after that and work my way through it. It was a couple scary moments."

Of course, instead of the injury being a career-ending moment, it was merely rock bottom for the team that season. Around the time of the injury, the Rams slipped to 3-6, needing a perfect run to get back into the playoff hunt.

Stafford missed just one full game because of the injury against the Cowboys in Week 8. Despite starting 3-6, the Rams rallied to make the playoffs thanks to Stafford's 9-6 final season record. Stafford threw for 24 touchdowns and 11 interceptions during that run.

Matthew Stafford's offense gets hit with another injury bug to kick off 2024 preseason

Matthew Stafford at Los Angeles Rams OTA Offseason Workout

The Rams have been hit hard with injuries over the last two seasons. Between Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp's twin injuries, the team has battled at less than 100% health consistently. Rams fans hoped that their team could get back on track in the health department on offense, but that might not happen.

According to Adam Schefter on Twitter/X on Monday, Puka Nacua is dealing with a knee injury suffered over the weekend. He will be week-to-week and for now, the injury is termed as "not serious." Of course, while Nacua is young and could bounce back before the regular season like nothing happened, injuries can be a slippery slope in the NFL.

What is more concerning is that Puka Nacua was the healthy star out of himself, Kupp and Matthew Stafford last season. If all three players fall into injury trouble this year, the Rams might not be able to rally their way out.

Will the Los Angeles Rams' key trio enter Week 1 in perfect health?