Jared Goff's right thumb is broken, @RapSheet and I have learned
— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) December 28, 2020
There’s a chance the Los Angeles Rams could be without Jared Goff for their most important game of the season. According to Mike Silver and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Goff broke his right thumb in Sunday’s loss to the Seahawks.
The injury occurred in the fourth quarter when Goff hit his hand on a helmet after attempting a pass. It was clearly dislocated, but Goff was able to pop it back into place between plays and never missed a snap.
Both Sean McVay and Goff said after the game that his status for Week 17 is uncertain, with the coach refusing to speculate further on his quarterback’s health. Goff said it’s feeling OK and it’s “not terrible,” but he doesn’t know what his availability will be for the season finale.
If Goff is unable to play against the Cardinals, John Wolford would be the starter. He’s never played a regular-season snap in the NFL but has backed up Goff all season.
Rams QB Jared Goff on his thumb that he popped back into place: "It's okay right now. It's not terrible. We'll see tomorrow. We'll evaluate tomorrow."
Said it didn't bother him when he attempted to throw afterward, but is "uncertain" whether it will affect his Week 17 status.
— Stu Jackson (@StuJRams) December 28, 2020
While a broken thumb is certainly a severe injury, it is one Goff could potentially play through moving forward – just as he did on Sunday. Jameis Winston broke his thumb last December and still finished the season, playing the final three weeks of the year.
The question is whether Goff can effectively grip a ball and throw it accurately, which will be tested throughout the week leading up to the game on Sunday.
The Rams need a win against the Cardinals or a loss by the Bears against the Packers in Week 17 in order to clinch a playoff spot.