The Los Angeles Rams will give Matthew Stafford a week of rest before the playoffs begin. According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, the Rams will start Carson Wentz at quarterback on Sunday against the 49ers.
It’s not a terribly surprising move given the circumstances with the Rams locked in as the No. 6 or 7 seed in the NFC playoffs. With a win, they will clinch the No. 6 seed, while a loss and a Packers win will drop Los Angeles to No. 7.
Wentz has not attempted a pass for the Rams this season after he was signed before their Week 11 game. His last action in the NFL was last year with the Commanders when he started seven games and threw 11 touchdown passes with nine interceptions.
The #Rams will start Carson Wentz at QB Sunday against the #49ers, sources say. Sean McVay gives Matthew Stafford a breather before the postseason while Wentz gets his first start in just over a calendar year. pic.twitter.com/iaVM2xJFI8
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) January 3, 2024
With Stafford’s season over, he finishes the year with 24 touchdown passes and 11 interceptions, throwing for 3,965 yards. He completed only 62.6% of his passes, his lowest since 2014 when he was a Pro Bowler with the Lions.
It’s unclear if the Rams will rest other starters but with Stafford getting the week off, we can assume at least some key players will either remain on the sideline or have their snaps limited.
The 49ers are also expected to rest their starters after clinching a first-round bye and Christian McCaffrey has already been ruled out with an injury.
