Rams expect QB Matthew Stafford to start vs. Seahawks

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Rams expect quarterback Matthew Stafford to start Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks, coach Sean McVay said Monday.

Stafford sprained the ulnar collateral ligament in his right thumb in Week 8 and did not play the following week against the Green Bay Packers. The Rams had a bye in Week 10.

McVay said Stafford “should be ready to play” against Seattle and that the quarterback threw during individual drills at Monday’s practice.

“He’s making great progress, and so we’re operating with the anticipation and hope that he’ll be ready to go,” McVay said. “He’s going to struggle, but we expect him to be able to start, play, do his thing and lead the way this week.”

Rams backup quarterback Brett Rypien struggled in his start against the Packers and was cut during the Rams’ bye week. Los Angeles signed quarterback Carson Wentz to replace him, which McVay said Monday was “a chance to improve the quarterback room.”

“[We] I feel good with Matthew coming back, and obviously when he’s there you feel good with the leadership and everything that he provides, but God forbid if something were to happen where he doesn’t was not available, I felt like it would provide an opportunity for someone who has played a lot of high level football to bring him here [and] familiarize him with some of the things we do,” McVay said.

Los Angeles drafted quarterback Stetson Bennett in the fourth round to serve as Stafford’s backup this season, but he has been on the reserve/non-football illness list since September 13. McVay said last month he didn’t expect Bennett to be back. with the Rams this season.

McVay said the Rams also expect to get right tackle Rob Havenstein and starting inside linebacker Ernest Jones against Seattle.