Baker Mayfield might see action earlier than expected in Los Angeles.
After the quarterback was released by the Panthers on Monday and claimed off waivers by the Rams, Mayfield is expected to be active against the Raiders on “Thursday Night Football,” according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. Mayfield arrived in L.A. on Tuesday night and reportedly is up to speed on the full game plan.
However, Mayfield’s status will depend in part on how backup John Wolford is feeling, as he continues to deal with a neck injury. Wolford, who was limited in walk-throughs on Wednesday, is currently listed as questionable.
Sean McVay told reporters on Wednesday that he was “working through” Mayfield’s status leading up to Thursday’s game. The Rams also have third-stringer Bryce Perkins on their depth chart.
Baker Mayfield looks to pass against the Baltimore Ravens during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium on Nov. 20, 2022 in Baltimore, Md. Getty Images
Rams quarterback John Wolford rolls out of the pocket during a game against the Seattle Seahawks on Dec. 4, 2022, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif. Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesIn a separate report, ESPN’s Adam Schefter said the Rams want to see how Wolford is doing in pregame warmups before making a decision about who will start at QB, adding that if Wolford is not healthy enough, Mayfield will be next in line to start.
The Rams claimed Mayfield off waivers after starter Matthew Stafford was placed on injured reserve on Saturday due to a spinal contusion. The 34-year-old has been out since he injured his neck in a Week 11 loss to the Saints.
Stafford’s backups have been ineffective for the 3-9 Rams, who are on a six-game losing streak.
Wolford went winless in two starts, tallying 390 passing yards and just one touchdown while throwing three interceptions. Perkins’ one start came in a Week 12 loss to the Chiefs in which he completed 13-of-23 passes for just 100 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.
Mayfield, meanwhile, completed 58 percent of his passes for 1,313 yards with six touchdowns and six interceptions in his seven games for the Panthers, six of them starts.
Although Stafford is eligible to return in Week 17, head coach Sean McVay said “there’s a good chance” he will not play again this season. Stafford threw for 2,087 yards and 10 touchdowns with eight interceptions in nine games before going down.
