The Los Angeles Rams appear unlikely to have starting quarterback Jared Goff in their Week 17 game at home against the Arizona Cardinals. After suffering a broken thumb in the Rams’ 20-9 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, Goff has undergone surgery to repair it, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Rams’ QB Jared Goff underwent surgery today on his broken right thumb in LA and is unlikely to play Sunday vs. Arizona, sources tell ESPN. If he can’t play Sunday, Goff could return for the playoffs if Rams advance there.
John Wolford is Goff’s backup and now in line to start.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 29, 2020
It isn’t likely he will be able to play, which means backup John Wolford, who has not taken an NFL snap, will make his debut and start in the season finale.
If Wolford is the starter, it would be the first time a QB makes his first-ever start in a Week 17 game with a playoff berth on the line since 2013. Kyle Orton did so for the Dallas Cowboys.
John Wolford would be first QB to make his first start for a team in Week 17 with a playoff berth on the line since Kyle Orton for the 2013 Cowboys, per @EpKap. https://t.co/pMZx6VdmCI
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 29, 2020
The outcome of the Week 17 matchup between the Cardinals and Rams determines Arizona’s playoff fate. If they win, they are in. If they lose, they are out.
The Rams, even with a loss, could still qualify for the postseason if the Chicago Bears lose to the Green Bay Packers.
While it is unlikely Goff will play this weekend, there is a shot he could play in the postseason.
The surgery that Rams QB Jared Goff had earlier today in Los Angeles gives him the best chance of an optimum result without a delay in return. The hope is he can be back for the postseason.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 29, 2020
While it is not the same, Cardinals safety Budda Baker missed one game after having thumb surgery, but he did have to wear a cast or brace for a few weeks.
The Cardinals and Rams are scheduled to kick off at SoFi Stadium Sunday afternoon at 2:25 p.m. Arizona time. (1:25 p.m. in L.A. and 4:25 p.m. ET).
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