Meet Rams forgotten veteran suddenly tasked with protecting Matthew Stafford

For most of the season, David Quessenberry has been the kind of player Rams fans rarely think about.That’s about to change.On Sunday afternoon at SoFi Stadium, the veteran offensive tackle will suddenly become one of the most important men on the field, entrusted with protecting Matthew Stafford’s blind side in a must-win NFC West showdown against the Cardinals.With starting left tackle Alaric Jackson serving a one-game suspension for punching Bills linebacker Bradley Chubb following Monday night’s heartbreaking overtime loss, the Rams are turning to a 36-year-old journeyman who hasn’t started an NFL game since 2023.But here’s what fans should know about Quessenberry: The Rams haven’t been scrambling to prepare him for this moment.

They’ve quietly been preparing him for months.“He’s a consummate pro,” Rams coach Sean McVay said.“Even though it’s been a little bit of time, he still has played a lot of good, meaningful snaps.”Quessenberry has spent more than a decade in the NFL, overcoming a battle with cancer early in his career before establishing himself as a reliable veteran offensive lineman.

He’s played for multiple organizations, including the Texans, Titans, Bills and Vikings, developing the versatility to line up on either side of the offensive line.That experience matters when your assignment involves keeping a 38-year-old quarterback upright.And unlike most emergency replacements, Quessenberry isn’t walking into unfamiliar territory.

Because of Jackson’s previous absences related to blood clot issues, McVay revealed that Quessenberry has regularly taken first-team practice repetitions alongside Stafford.“He takes a bunch of snaps with our first offense all the time,” McVay said.“I do feel confident in him.

He has a great look in his eye, and he’s a Ram through and through.”Stafford shares that confidence in Quessenberry as well. “A lot of trust in DQ,” Stafford said, pointing to the veteran’s experience a...