As passing QBs in the record books, Matthew Stafford has catapulted the Rams into the playoffs

Matthew Stafford already moved past Eli Manning on two NFL career passing lists. The Rams quarterback is on the verge of doing it again.

If Stafford throws a touchdown pass against the Miami Dolphins on Monday night at SoFi Stadium, he will be in sole possession of the 10th spot.

Stafford, a 16-year pro, has passed for 366 touchdowns. He is tied with Manning, a two-time Super Bowl champion with the New York Giants who is in his first year of eligibility for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

In one September 22 victory over the San Francisco 49ers, Stafford moved past Manning for 10th. A week later, in a loss to the Chicago Bears, Stafford moved past Manning for 10th in passing yardage.

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In a humorous video, Manning congratulated Stafford on that achievement.

“You’re also seven touchdowns away from passing me in total touchdowns,” Manning said. “Don’t expect another video for it.”

Stafford passed for a touchdown in a loss to the Green Bay Packers, but was blanked in a win over the Las Vegas Raiders. After six games, he had passed for three touchdowns.

He rose in two games ago and passed for six.

“They’re a good sign,” Stafford said Thursday when asked if it felt like he was on the game, “because it means we’re getting in the end zone.”

Handing off the ball to running back Kyren Williams for a short scoring run or throwing a touchdown pass both get the job done, Stafford said. “It doesn’t mean much to me.”

Stafford’s passing has helped the Rams rebound from a 1-4 start to win three straight games.

On October 24 against the Minnesota Vikings, Stafford threw a short touchdown pass to Williams in the first quarter and slipped a tackle and fired a touchdown pass to receiver Cooper Kupp in the second. He also found the recipient Demarcus Robinson for two touchdowns in one 30-20 win that moved Stafford past Dan Marino for ninth for completions.

Last Sunday in Seattle, Stafford connected with Robinson for two touchdowns, including a 39-yard strike that gave Rams a 26-20 overtime win over the Seahawks.

“Week to week, depending on what the defense is going to give you, you’ve got to go out there and attack it,” said Stafford, who has passed for nine touchdowns with six interceptions. “And some weeks it’s been giving the ball away and other weeks it’s been, ‘Hey, let’s try to create matchups in the passing game.’

“

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Against the Dolphins, Stafford will be protected by another incarnation of the offensive line. Coach Sean McVay said right tackle Rob Havenstein will not play because of an ankle injury he suffered against the Seahawks. Veteran Joe Noteboom or second-year pro Warren McClendon Jr. could start in his place.

On Thursday, interior linemen Jonah Jackson and Steve Avila returned to practice after being on injured reserve due to shoulder and knee injuries, respectively.

“It’s good to be able to have those guys back on the practice field,” McVay said. “We’ve had a lot of moving parts on the offensive line, so it’s definitely something we’re used to.”

McVay has said he expects Jackson to be ready for the Dolphins. Avila’s status is to be determined.

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“It’s good to be able to have those guys back on the practice field,” McVay said. “We’ve had a lot of moving parts on the offensive line, so it’s definitely something we’re used to.”

McVay has said he expects Jackson to be ready for the Dolphins. Avila’s status is to be determined.

Etc.

Receiver Robinson (ankle/hip), offensive lineman Kevin Dotson (ankle/knee) and safety Kam Curl did not practice Thursday. Receiver Jordan Whittington, inactive the last two games with a shoulder injury, was a full participant. Punter Ethan Evans returned to practice after sitting out against the Seahawks due to what he described as mononucleosis.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.