Matthew Stafford banged his surgically repaired thumb on a helmet during Monday's practice, but was back in practice on Tuesday.
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday that Stafford has a swollen thumb after hitting it on a helmet in practice, but X-rays were negative, per a source informed of the situation.
Stafford was at Rams practice on Tuesday, which was the team's first in full pads, and was leading the first-team offense, per The Athletic's Jourdan Rodrigue.
After practice, head coach Sean McVay told reporters that, indeed, Stafford's X-rays were clean and he has a contusion. The coach added the team was planning to have him take a day off, but the QB felt good and wanted to practice.
Stafford confirmed he was a full-go at practiced and admitted not all of his throws were "all there," but there was "nothing broken, fractured or sprained," so he was out there.
It's the latest tale in a career in which Stafford has persevered despite injuries.
Stafford underwent surgery on the thumb to repair a partially torn ligament in early March after he was traded to Los Angeles.
Speaking Monday after Stafford left practice early, McVay said he was hopeful the injury was minor.
"We'll see," McVay said. "He's so tough as it is. Look at what he played through all last year to get the thumb cleaned up. He's a tough guy. We'll see what they say and take it one day at a time."
Stafford has played through an array of injuries throughout his 12-year career, including battling to play in all 16 games last season in Detroit despite the ligament tear. Given his importance for the Rams' postseason hopes and the draft capital spent to import him to L.A., the Rams will likely tread cautiously with the 33-year-old.
