Rams signing Wentz amid Stafford injury concerns
The Los Angeles Rams are signing veteran free-agent quarterback Carson Wentz, the team announced Wednesday.
Wentz's signing comes amid injury concerns with Matthew Stafford after the quarterback missed last Sunday's loss to the Green Bay Packers with a thumb injury. Stafford suffered a UCL sprain in his right thumb during a Week 8 defeat to the Dallas Cowboys.
The L.A. stop will mark Wentz's fourth team in as many years after stints with the Philadelphia Eagles, Indianapolis Colts, and Washington Commanders. The former 2016 No. 2 overall pick has struggled to cement himself since enjoying a hot start to his career with the Eagles. He was replaced by Jalen Hurts in Philadelphia in 2020 before the Colts and Commanders decided to cut ties in the following years after just one season.
Wentz started seven games for Washington in 2022 but struggled, going 2-5 with 11 touchdowns to nine interceptions. He wasn't re-signed.
The 30-year-old provides insurance if Stafford remains sidelined. L.A. went with Brett Rypien under center against the Packers last week, but he could only muster 13 completions on 28 attempts for 130 yards with no touchdowns and one interception. Los Angeles waived Rypien on Tuesday, a source told NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
Head coach Sean McVay said Monday he was "optimistic" that Stafford would be back after the Rams' bye week.
With Wentz joining the Rams, McVay will have coached the first two picks from the 2016 NFL Draft after previously overseeing top selection Jared Goff from 2017-20.
The Rams are in the midst of their bye week and hold a 3-6 record after losing three straight.
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