Rams expect Matthew Stafford back to QB1 following bye

When the Rams return from a brief break for their bye week, the Los Angeles backfield should be close to full strength.

Rams coach Sean McVay said quarterback Matthew Stafford will be ready to return from a thumb injury that forced him to sit out last week's loss to the Green Bay Packers. Running back Kyren Williams, on injured reserve with a high ankle sprain, is one week behind Stafford and targeting to play Week 12.

"Feel really good about Matthew, and how much he's attacked doing everything in his power to be back and to lead the way for this team," McVay said.

The Rams return from this week's bye to face the Seattle Seahawks on Nov. 19. The Rams defeated Seattle 30-13 in Week 1. Williams is first eligible to return from IR the following week at Arizona. The Rams beat the Cardinals, 26-9, in Week 6.

Williams remains the team's leading rusher by a considerable margin with 456 yards on 97 carries and six touchdowns. He last played in the Oct. 15 win over the Cardinals and rushed for 158 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries.

Stafford was diagnosed with a UCL sprain in his throwing thumb after making contact with a helmet while throwing in the 43-20 loss to the Cowboys on Oct. 29.

Stafford, 35, has thrown for 2,070 yards with eight touchdowns and seven interceptions in eight games this season.

Backup quarterback Brett Rypien replaced Stafford against the Cowboys after he was injured and completed 5 of 10 passes for 42 yards. He started Sunday's game against the Packers and was 13 of 28 for 130 yards with an interception and no touchdowns.