Rams’ Sean McVay may have violated NFL policy commenting on Matthew Stafford’s concussion

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay may have unintentionally violated NFL policy on multiple occasions over the past couple of weeks. 

Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio reported in November 2016 that the league directed all teams at that time to “refrain from making public comments regarding the condition of a concussed player or speculating as to when he may return to practice and play once in the concussion protocol.” 

In situations involving a head injury, clubs were instructed to say “that the player is in the concussion protocol under the supervision of the medical team, and the club will monitor his status.” 

That story resurfaced after McVay openly discussed the status of quarterback Matthew Stafford following the 16-13 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Nov. 6. Stafford entered the concussion protocol the subsequent Tuesday, and Florio noted that McVay commented on the 34-year-old’s condition both before and after the signal-caller missed last Sunday’s 27-17 loss to the Arizona Cardinals that dropped the Rams to 3-6. 

Stafford has been cleared to play at the 3-7 New Orleans Saints this Sunday. 

“We’ve recently asked the league, on three occasions, for guidance as to whether that’s still the rule,” Florio said on Friday. “The league has responded to none of these requests. The league apparently also didn’t tell McVay to quit talking about Stafford’s status.” 

Interestingly, the NFL reportedly confirmed earlier on Friday that club personnel could face “significant discipline” for violations of the league’s alcohol policies after Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Todd Downing was arrested early Friday morning on suspicion of driving under the influence and speeding. 

It’s unclear if McVay could receive a warning or slap on the wrist for his comments or if the league has abandoned the concussion-related approach that came to light in 2016.