NFL News NFL News, Reports and Updates
Rams backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo speaks to reporters during a news conference on Wednesday. (Gary Klein / Los Angeles Times)
Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo last started an NFL game in October 2023.
On Sunday, the 11th-year pro will start in place of Matthew Stafford for the playoff-bound Rams in the season finale against the Seattle Seahawks at SoFi Stadium, coach Sean McVay said Wednesday.
The Rams last weekend clinched the NFC West title and the NFL’s strength-of-victory tiebreaker, so they will be either the No. 3 seed or No. 4 seed in the NFC playoffs. That was enough to convince McVay to rest Stafford against the Seahawks, and keep the 16th-year pro out of harm’s way.
“It’s a great opportunity for Jimmy to be able to play,” McVay said. “I also think it’s an awesome opportunity for Matthew to be able to get rest and rejuvenated and ready to roll for the playoffs.”
Read more: Rams playoff explainer: Here are the four teams they could face
Garoppolo is looking forward to his opportunity.
“It’s been a long time coming,” he said after a walkthrough.
Stetson Bennett will be Garoppolo’s backup, McVay said, so Stafford will be inactive.
Right tackle Rob Havenstein also will be held out for a second consecutive game because of a shoulder injury. But McVay said he has not determined if other starters will sit out.
However, it seems likely that running back Kyren Williams and receivers Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp will be among others who will not play.
The Rams are currently the No. 3 seed, putting them on track for a wild-card matchup at SoFi Stadium against the Washington Commanders or Green Bay Packers. But a loss to the Seahawks, and a victory by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday would move the Buccaneers into the No. 3 slot and drop the Rams to No. 4, pitting them against the Detroit Lions or Minnesota Vikings at SoFi Stadium.
McVay said seeding scenarios would influence his decision about how to approach a finale only…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/jimmy-garoppolo-looking-forward-starting-234441956.html
Author : LA Times
Publish date : 2025-01-01 23:44:00
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
