How Rams QB Matthew Stafford's Return Makes 'Huge Difference' for Van Jefferson
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After a down season in 2023, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Van Jefferson is looking for a bounce-back year. The ex-Florida product missed the first six games last season due to having knee surgery. But even after returning to the field following a promising rookie season, the now third-year receiver only recorded 24 receptions for 369 yards and three touchdowns.
Like quarterback Matthew Stafford and even fellow wide-out Cooper Kupp, Jefferson can blame the down year on injuries. But that is in the past now, as both Jefferson and Stafford returned to Inglewood for voluntary workouts. Catching passes from Stafford is a welcomed sight for Jefferson after the pairing barely saw the field together a season ago.
“Oh yeah, I think that makes a huge difference,” Jefferson said about Stafford's return, in an interview with the team's website. “I think for all the guys that are out there throwing with Matt. He’s looking great. He’s always been great, so it’s just great to be out there with him again and see him healthy, and see him slinging it like he does. It’s good to just be out there and get some passes with him.”
Stafford played in just seven games due to a multitude of injuries, the final being one to a spinal cord contusion that sidelined him permanently. The 35-year-old was the first of four quarterbacks to play for the Rams last season due to injuries and poor performances.
Now with Stafford fully healthy, without any limitations in offseason workouts, he and Jefferson will look to build on their chemistry from the 2021 Super Bowl-winning season, where Jefferson was the second-leading receiver with 802 yards and six touchdowns on 50 receptions.
The recent trade of veteran wide-out Allen Robinson to the Pittsburgh Steelers will only mean good things for Jefferson as he projects to be the No. 2 guy behind Kupp on the depth chart.
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