The Los Angeles Rams may be in the market for a new backup quarterback as they are currently working with Brett Rypien and no other options behind Super Bowl champion Matthew Stafford. With Stafford getting older and coming off a sprained thumb in the Week 8 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, a backup for him is more important than ever. And the Rams, hoping for a familiar face, reportedly reached out to John Wolford.
Wolford spent the last three seasons as the Rams backup, starting a total of four regular season games and appearing in seven over that span. He has a 2-2 record as a starter in the regular season and also has a 1-0 postseason record as a starter, taking a few snaps as the starting quarterback in a 2020 playoff win over the Seattle Seahawks before regular starter Jared Goff took over.
Wolford left the Rams for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers practice squad in the offseason, and when approached with the opportunity to return to L.A. given Stafford’s injury, he reportedly declined the offer, according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic:
While the Rams were expecting to sign QB John Wolford off the Bucs practice squad, they were informed tonight that Wolford prefers to stay in Tampa Bay with the Bucs, per sources.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) October 31, 2023
There was no indication at any point that Wolford and the Rams may have a soured relationship, making this a surprising decision from the fourth-year, 28-year-old quarterback. However, it appears the Buccaneers offered him a spot on their 53-man roster which is why he is choosing to stay:
Multiple teams like the Rams and Minnesota have shown interest in QB John Wolford but the Buccaneers gave him a promotion. They are activating him off their practice squad to their 53-man roster, per source.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) October 31, 2023
It makes sense that Wolford wouldn’t want to move his family across the country in the middle of the season, so he will stay in Tampa Bay where he is comfortable and now on the 53-man roster.
Stafford may be able to play in Week 9, but it’s clear that the Rams are still in search of another quarterback in case he isn’t able to go.
Hunter Long returned to practice
The Rams designated tight end Hunter Long for a return to practice last week, opening a 21-day window for him to enter game action after being placed on injured reserve prior to the start of the season.
Long came to Los Angeles as part of the Jalen Ramsey trade that sent the star defensive back to the Miami Dolphins. Long was placed on the physically unable to perform list this summer and landed on IR as he attempted to work his way back from a thigh injury.
Getting Long back adds another potential weapon for Matthew Stafford for an offense that has surprised many with its efficiency to begin the 2023 campaign. The Rams have the No. 7 passing offense in the NFL in terms of yards per game, and rookie wide receiver Puka Nacua is third in the NFL in receiving yards.
