The Los Angeles Rams failed to regain control of the NFC West with their loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 16.
The offense had been the most glaring weakness throughout the 2020 NFL season and this was once again on full display versus Seattle. Things nearly took a turn for the worse after quarterback Jared Goff suffered a thumb injury after jamming it on the helmet of a defender.
Although Goff was able to finish the game, he was clearly bothered by it in between snaps. It seems the Rams have already decided on a course of action.
Head coach Sean McVay revealed that Goff had surgery to repair his broken thumb and backup John Wolford will take his place against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 17, per Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic:
Sean McVay: Jared Goff had surgery on his thumb today, decision was made late last night. We are optimistic we will get him back for the playoffs. John Wolford will start on Sunday.
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) December 29, 2020
McVay added that L.A. is also in the process of bringing back quarterback Blake Bortles to shore up some depth:
Sean McVay says that the Rams will try to bring in and onboard Blake Bortles as contingency depth with backup Wolford starting and Bryce Perkins backing Wolford up. Teams are trying to keep a PS QB available just in case in these times.
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) December 29, 2020
The timing of Goff’s injury is hardly ideal with the team’s playoff future potentially at stake going into the season finale. The Rams will need to either beat the Cardinals or have the Green Bay Packers defeat the Chicago Bears on the road in order to clinch a Wild Card spot.
If L.A. manages to advance, McVay is confident that Goff will be able to make his return before the postseason begins. Regardless, this has not prevented the team from taking the necessary precautions for the upcoming week.
Bortles served as Goff’s backup last season so his familiarity with the system should pay some dividends in the event that he is needed. Meanwhile, there is also some speculation regarding whether or not quarterback Bryce Perkins could be promoted from the practice squad to the active roster.
For now, Wolford is set to make his first career start in a pivotal game for the Rams.
