It seems the Chicago Bears could have an injury advantage on Sunday, as NBC Sports' Charean Williams reported that Los Angeles Rams backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is questionable for Sunday's game due to a back issue. This is potentially a huge advantage for the Bears, considering the age of Matthew Stafford and the track record of aging quarterbacks, who have more difficulty staying upright. While Stafford has more than proven his toughness, the signal caller is a pocket passer who offers little to no threat with his legs.
Still, it is fair to wonder if head coach Sean McVay is going to be far more cautious with his play calling if he cannot rely on his backup. Garoppolo provides incredible security, having won not only in the NFC Divisional round but also having experience in the NFC Championship and Super Bowl. If Stafford were to go down, it isn't unthinkable that the Rams would still have a puncher's chance against the Chicago defense.
If Garoppolo can't go, and Stafford were to go down, it would be Georgia product Stetson Bennett stepping into the starting lineup. While Bennett is an unknown and a college legend, it isn't unfair to point out that this would all but guarantee a Chicago win. Bennett is yet to take a meaningful NFL snap and is undersized at the position, leaving the Bears every reason to attempt to blitz Stafford in Sunday's playoff matchup.
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It is important to note that in no way is this suggesting that the Bears should do anything out of bounds or target Stafford outside of the rules. Rather, it is pointing out the reality of an incredibly physical game and the toll it can take on an aging quarterback. Stafford is 37 and will be 38 by the end of the season. The veteran was clearly considering retirement at the end of last season and closing in on the end of his career. He also has a sprained index finger on his throwing hand.
For the Bears, it makes sense to attempt to pressure Stafford consistently, wearing on the quarterback and increasing your chances of facing the underwhelming Bennett. Even if this doesn't happen, it has to be in the back of the mind of McVay and perhaps influence how many deep shots and big play calls the coach makes, understanding it requires Stafford to stand in and take additional heat.
No question, Garoppolo potentially not being active works in Chicago's favor and would be yet another small piece of momentum in what has been an incredibly exciting 2025 season. One that fans hope isn't going to end in what will be the toughest test not only of the season, but the most difficult the franchise has faced over the past decade.