Matthew Stafford enjoyed a sizzling start during the Rams’ joust with the Panthers in Saturday’s wild-card game. Los Angeles’ wily veteran completed eight of his first nine passes, setting up Puka Nacua with a touchdown as the Rams opened a 14-point advantage over their heavily favored opposition.
But as the game wore on and Carolina built its way back into the contest, things changed for Stafford. Plays that once appeared routine for the 37-year-old proved far more challenging. Incompletions piled up for the MVP frontrunner, leaving many uncertain about what had changed.
Fox’s broadcast crew suggested Stafford’s struggles weren’t organic, but rather the result of an injury to his throwing hand. While the malady might not fully explain some of Stafford’s uncharacteristic mistakes, it could provide some context for his foibles.
Here’s what you need to know about Stafford’s status following his alleged hand injury.
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What happened to Matthew Stafford?
Things were humming for Stafford in the first half. The Super Bowl champion laced passes all about the Bank of America Stadium pitch, finding his target with increasing regularity.
But partway through the second quarter, Stafford was momentarily cut down by injury. As he attempted a throw, he hit his hand on the crown of an onrushing Carolina defender.
Matthew Stafford appeared to have hurt his hand in the first half ⬇️
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) January 10, 2026
📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/QQo0FHNW0N
Stafford gripped his hand and grimaced as he rose off the turf, flexing his hand tightly. His efficiency faded as the game wore on, with incompletions — and an interception — spilling into his previously faultless display.
MORE: Matthew Stafford becomes Rams’ all-time leading playoff passer in win over Panthers
Matthew Stafford stats before and after hit to hand
| Before injury | After injury | |
| 8-8 | Comp/Att | 16-34 |
| 100.0 | Comp. Pct. | 47.1 |
| 107 | Pass Yds | 197 |
| 1 | Pass TDs | 2 |
| 0 | INT | 1 |
There was a marked difference in Stafford's showing before and after his apparent injury. Stafford started the day flawless — 8-of-8 for 107 yards and one touchdown. After clattering his hand against the Panthers rusher, he went 16-of-34 with 197 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Noted for his patented efficiency, Stafford's throws lost their luster slightly as the game continued. He found his form when it counted, though, finding Cody Parkinson with a delicate toss in the corner of the end zone to deliver a four-point win to Los Angeles.
OMG STAFFORD TO PARKINSON FOR THE LEAD!
— NFL (@NFL) January 11, 2026
LARvsCAR on FOX/FOX One
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/qLSKKdmoBO
Matthew Stafford injury history
When you play for as long as Stafford has, you're bound to have picked up some bumps and bruises. He famously missed time in his rookie season after dislocating his patella and separating his shoulder. Stafford's shoulder proved especially volatile in his first few seasons — he missed 13 games in total as a sophomore as a result of more shoulder trouble.
Stafford came into his own following his early-career struggles, failing to miss a game in any of his next eight seasons. In 2019, Stafford fractured his back, ending his season after just eight games. He returned to health and led the Rams to a Super Bowl during his first year in Tinseltown in 2021. In 2022, Stafford returned to the sideline, cut down by a concussion and spinal cord bruise.
MORE: Puka Nacua turns in another big playoff performance in win over Panthers