Rams rule John Wolford out against Packers, will start Jared Goff at quarterback

For much of this week, the Los Angeles Rams and head coach Sean McVay have been playing coy about the status of their quarterback room. John Wolford, who started in week 17 and the Rams’ Wild Card game, is dealing with a stinger. Jared Goff, the team’s normal starting quarterback is dealing with a broken thumb. And then there’s sitcom punchline Blake Bortles as the team’s #3, who is still around.

However, after a few days of evading questions about which player will start against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on Saturday, the Rams have made their decision — or had it made for them. In the afternoon’s press availability, McVay revealed that Wolford has been ruled out for the game and that Goff will start.

This was, to any keen observer, the only feasible option. Wolford had yet to practice this week, while Goff was a full participant all week long. Goff’s performance against the Seattle Seahawks in relief last week was hardly exceptional, but he did enough to lead the Rams to 30 points, though much of that came with the help of a strong running game led by Cam Akers.

The Packers, meanwhile, have clearly been reading the Rams’ injury reports. Matt LaFleur spoke to the media moments after McVay did, and when informed of the Rams’ decision, the Packers’ head man noted that the team has primarily planned for Goff to be under center.

Whether Goff is able to throw the ball effectively in temperatures around freezing is yet to be determined. In two career games when the kickoff temperature was 32 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, Goff has no touchdowns and five interceptions. Still, he probably represents the Rams’ best option with Wolford unavailable.

Stay tuned for the full injury report for both teams coming up this afternoon.