Rams get crucial injury upgrade sure to put a smile on Matthew Stafford’s face

· California Post

The Los Angeles Rams might be running out of healthy wide receivers, but at least Matthew Stafford won’t have to throw the football to himself this Sunday.

After another week dominated by injuries, the Rams received some encouraging news Friday when several key players returned to practice ahead of their Week 10 showdown against the Arizona Cardinals.

With Los Angeles (5-4) sitting outside the NFC playoff picture, Sunday’s 1:05 p.m. PT kickoff in Glendale has all the makings of another must-win game for Sean McVay’s battered squad.

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford celebrates a touchdown against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, in Landover, Maryland. Getty Images

And for once, the injury report offered more reasons for optimism than panic.

Tight end Davis Allen, who caught two touchdowns against the Las Vegas Raiders two weeks ago, returned to practice Friday on a limited basis after sitting out Thursday with an oblique injury. Allen is officially designated as questionable but is expected to play.

Colby Parkinson, who missed the Chargers game with a rib injury, was a full participant Friday and is also expected to suit up on Sunday. 

Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee celebrates a first down against the Buffalo Bills in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Oct. 12, 2026. AP Photo/Scott Strazzante

Veteran Tyler Higbee, meanwhile, returned to practice on a limited basis after battling an illness throughout the week.

That gives Stafford three familiar targets at a position that could become the backbone of Los Angeles’ passing attack should McVay opt to run a lot of 12 and 13-personnel as he did last year against the Cardinals.

The Rams also received a boost in the secondary, where cornerback Trent McDuffie and safety Kam Curl returned to practice on a limited basis Friday.

“I’m ready to roll,” said McDuffie, speaking exclusively with the California Post on his availability for Sunday. “At the end of the day, they asked me if I was ready to go, and I told them I was confident in it. I’m trying to get back out there with the boys, for real. I feel like it’s been too long since I’ve been out there with them, so I’m excited.”

Trent McDuffie #22 of the Los Angeles Rams stands on the sidelines prior to an NFL game against the Los Angeles Chargers in Inglewood, Calif., Nov. 1, 2026. Getty Images

Both McDuffie and Curl are officially listed as questionable for the game on Sunday.

“I feel good about Kam and Trent,” McVay said. “A lot of it is going to be contingent upon how that limited work goes today.”

McVay added that the players are eager to return, although their availability will depend on how they respond physically.

“I think if you asked him, he would say that he’s hopeful to be able to play, and so are we,” McVay said.

Only left guard Steve Avila (hamstring) and tight end Terrance Ferguson (hamstring) were officially ruled out, but that was expected going into the week. 

With All-Pro Puka Nacua and fellow star Davante Adams sidelined, the Rams desperately need a victory in the desert, and having a few more healthy players certainly won’t hurt their chances.

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