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Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay said quarterback Matthew Stafford is making “great progress” and should start Sunday’s game against the visiting Seattle Seahawks.

Stafford injured the ulnar collateral ligament in his right thumb in a Week 8 game against the Dallas Cowboys and missed the next game prior to last week’s bye. McVay said that Stafford threw the ball during individual drills during Monday’s practice and was able to grip it without trouble.

“We’re operating with the anticipation and expectation that he is going to be good to go,” McVay told reporters on Monday. “He’ll be pushing through, but we expect him to be able to start and play and do his thing and lead the way this week.”

Stafford was injured when his thumb made contact with a helmet while throwing in the 43-20 loss to the Cowboys on Oct. 29.

Stafford, 35, has thrown for 2,070 yards with eight touchdowns and seven interceptions in eight games this season.

Brett Rypien started the 20-3 loss to the Green Bay Packers in Week 9 and was 13 of 28 for 130 yards with an interception and no touchdowns.

The Rams waived Rypien last week and also signed veteran Carson Wentz, who has made 92 career NFL starts.

Wentz was a free agent and McVay saw adding him as a chance to strengthen the team’s quarterback room.

“We feel good about Matthew returning, and obviously when he’s out there, you feel great about the leadership and everything that he provides,” McVay said. “But God forbid if something were to happen where he weren’t available, felt like this would offer an opportunity for somebody that’s played a lot of high level football to get him in here and get him kind of familiar with some of the things that we’re doing.”

Wentz, 30, has passed for 22,129 yards, 151 touchdowns and 66 interceptions in 93 regular-season games with the Philadelphia Eagles (2016-20), Indianapolis Colts (2021) and Washington Commanders (2022). Wentz was released by Washington after last season.

McVay said offensive tackle Rob Havenstein (calf), linebacker Ernest Jones (knee) and nose tackle Bobby Brown III (knee) are also expected to return against the Seahawks.

–Field Level Media