Baker Mayfield has only been with the Los Angeles Rams for two days but is expected to make his debut for his new team on Thursday. By NFL Network, “there’s a real chance” that Mayfield will play based on the mindset of starting quarterback John Wolford. The Rams just claimed Mayfield on waivers two days ago.
An ESPN report took Mayfield’s status one step further. Mayfield is in line to start against the Las Vegas Raiders based on Wolford’s status – which is questionable with a neck injury. Wolford is a game time decision.
Los Angeles placed Matthew Stafford on injured reserve last week as the quarterback is likely out for the season with a bruised spinal cord. The Rams are thin at quarterback and received ineffective play from Wolford and Bryce Perkins, who combined to go 51 of 85 (60%) for 490 yards with two touchdowns on five interceptions in their three starts.
Mayfield went 1-5 as a starter for the Carolina Panthers, completing 57.8% of his passes for 1,313 yards, six touchdowns and six interceptions in seven total games. He was released earlier in the week after Carolina decided to move forward with Sam Darnold and PJ Walker. Mayfield ranks 32nd in completion rate, 31st in yards per attempt (6.4), 28th in touchdown-to-interception ratio and 32nd in passer rating (74.4) this season.
The Rams playing Mayfield so quickly is surprising, but not shocking given the state of the quarterback position. Los Angeles has no reason to seek a better draft pick since the Detroit Lions own their selection. At 3-9, the Rams are off to the worst start for a defending Super Bowl champion in league history.
If Los Angeles chooses to play Mayfield on Thursday, it certainly won’t hurt their plans after 2022.
