The Los Angeles Rams just claimed Baker Mayfield off waivers on Tuesday, but it sounds like he could be active on Thursday night when they host the Las Vegas Raiders at SoFi Stadium. Whether that means he actually plays is a different story.
On Wednesday, Sean McVay told reporters that the team is “working through” Mayfield’s availability for the game, seeing as he just arrived at the facility last night. But if McVay had to guess whether Mayfield will dress for the game, he would “lean toward” him being active against the Raiders.
McVay would not commit to him starting or playing, but he could be active.
Sean McVay hasn't decided whether Baker Mayfield will start Thursday against the Raiders. "I'll lean toward him being active." #Rams
— Gilbert Manzano (@GManzano24) December 7, 2022
Later on during his press conference, McVay said it would be “unprecedented” for Mayfield play 48 hours after joining the team, and he’s not wrong. There’s a lot more that goes into getting up to speed for a quarterback than, say, a pass rusher or running back.
Mayfield would need to learn the offense incredibly quickly with only one day of practice before the game.
Sean McVay says Baker Mayfield will probably be active Thursday, but he thinks it would be "unprecedented" to have Baker actually play 48 hours after arriving.
McVay isn't saying directly, but it seems like Wolford's health will determine whether Mayfield has any shot to play.
— Greg Beacham (@gregbeacham) December 7, 2022
What could determine Mayfield’s status is John Wolford’s health. Wolford is questionable with a neck injury, so if he’s out, the Rams could make Mayfield active as an emergency backup if Bryce Perkins were to get hurt during the game.