Report: Cardinals’ Kyler Murray, Rams’ Matthew Stafford doubtful for clash

The Arizona Cardinals and Los Angeles Rams are reportedly both expecting to be without their starting quarterbacks for Sunday’s NFC West matchup.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (hamstring) will work out pregame to see if he can go but is viewed as “unlikely to play” because he is still walking gingerly.

Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (concussion) is believed to be a long shot to play despite not being ruled out as of Saturday night, Rapoport reported.

This news would mean that backups Colt McCoy and John Wolford would start in SoFi Stadium.

Wolford appeared in his first NFL start in 2020 against Cardinals. Wolford, the former AAF quarterback, threw for 231 yards and added 56 yards rushing, eliminating Arizona from playoff contention.

Although Murray has battled injuries throughout his career, this would only be the fourth game the QB has missed in his fourth year in the Valley after missing three consecutive games in 2021.

McCoy went 2-1 over those three games as a starter, cementing himself as one of the more serviceable backups around the league in case of emergency. He threw for 740 yards, three touchdowns and one interception over the three games.

Both the Rams (3-5) and Cardinals (3-6) may be turning to their backups at possible breaking points in the season.

Catch the Cardinals vs. Rams at 2:25 p.m. on Arizona Sports 98.7, the Arizona Sports app or ArizonaSports.com.