The Chicago Bears have an opportunity to clinch a playoff spot in Week 17. While the Bears can get in with a win over the Green Bay Packers, that’s not exactly ideal or even the most realistic outcome.
Believe it or not Chicago can still sneak into the playoffs if they lose next Sunday — but they’d need some help from the Los Angeles Rams, who would need to beat the Arizona Cardinals to help the Bears clinch a postseason berth.
But it’s not good news for the Bears — or the Rams, for that matter, as quarterback Jared Goff has suffered a broken right thumb, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, which puts his status for next Sunday’s game against the Cardinals in jeopardy.
Rams QB Jared Goff also suffered a dislocation during the game. He was able to grip a ball and throw today — perhaps a good sign. He’ll have more tests tomorrow to see about his status. https://t.co/2koZ9G01me
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 28, 2020
For those at home wondering, the Rams’ back-up quarterback is someone named John Wolford, who has never taken a snap in an NFL regular season game. But that might change next Sunday.
“I feel great about his readiness being one snap away – always,” Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell said a couple of weeks ago, via Rams Wire. “So that would just be something that may or may not come up, we’ll be ready for it. I do have a lot of confidence – although he hasn’t gotten any live action in games – I do have a lot of confidence in John and his preparation level. The consistency at which he approaches his role, both obviously backing up Jared, but also servicing one of the best defenses in the league every day. The way we practice, it really gave him an opportunity to play against a really good defense and have some competitive reps.”
In the preseason last year, Wolford completed 25-of-44 passes with three touchdowns and no interceptions. Then again, he has never taken a regular-season snap in the NFL. But there are certainly crazier things that have happened.
While Goff hasn’t been ruled out of next Sunday’s game, it doesn’t sound encouraging. Which means the Bears are going to need to take matters into their own hands and clinch a playoff berth with a win over the Packers. But that’s easier said than done.
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