Injuries were a common theme for the Los Angeles Rams in 2022, with Matthew Stafford and Van Jefferson both being among the offensive players that missed time due to injuries. After the Rams’ second day of minicamp, Stafford spoke about his rapport with Jefferson ahead of the 2023 season.
“Yeah, he’s a really good player. It was unfortunate what happened last year, just missing some time and having to battle through what he battled through. He’s a resilient kid and has done a nice job coming back, working himself into the mental position and the shape that he’s in right now,” Stafford said. “I think he looks great. The more reps I get with him, the better, and I know he feels really confident going into the season. We feel confident in him.”
Stafford was limited to nine games in 2022 due to concussions and a spinal injury. The experienced signal-caller also entered last season dealing with an elbow injury that he played through en route to the Rams winning the Super Bowl.
Meanwhile, Jefferson underwent knee surgery before last season and he didn’t make his season debut until Week 8. The former second-round pick wouldn’t make his first catch until Week 10 and he finished the year with only 24 receptions, 369 yards, and three touchdowns.
Now entering his fourth NFL season, Jefferson has developed into a quality starter for the Rams. Stafford shared a little bit about what he likes about the former Gators receiver, seeing him as an all-around playmaker.
“He kind of does everything,” Stafford said. “He’s got good size, got great speed down the field, catches it great, is sudden at the line of scrimmage, blocks in the run game, conscious. He just fits the room perfectly and I’m happy to have him on our team.”
After Cooper Kupp suffered a season-ending ankle injury in 2022, Jefferson finished as the Rams’ No. 1 wideout down the stretch. Jefferson caught passes from Baker Mayfield by the season’s end, which limited his production, so he’s looking to have a better campaign in 2023.
