Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford suffered a thumb injury on the opening drive of the second half against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday. Stafford never re-entered the game, as backup Brett Rypien's number was called.
Rypien finished the game completing 5-of-10 pass attempts for 42 yards. The Rams struggled on both sides of the ball though, as they fell 43-20.
Stafford's timetable to return is still uncertain at this time, and Rypien is "absolutely" ready to step in until the starter recovers.
"That's what you have to do as a backup--You have to be ready to go whenever," Rypien said in the locker room after the game. "Ultimately, it's tougher when you're coming in during a game. If he can't go this week, I'll be ready to start against Green Bay."
Rypien was thrown into the fire against Dallas, as the Rams were down 36-17 when he trotted onto the field. As he previously stated, "it's tougher when you're coming in during the game," and he revealed the greatest challenge that came out of that.
"Finding the rhythm, especially when you come in during the second half and it's that type of scenario," Rypien said. "Obviously, I haven't taken a whole lot of reps with these guys."
Nevertheless, Rypien also detailed some of the positives that came out of their dominant loss, and if he starts against the Packers, these keys will be crucial in a full game.
"It was good to get out there and kind of get a feel for the offensive line, communication and being at the line of scrimmage," Rypien said. "All the reps are going to help and I'll continue to get better."
More must-reads: