The Los Angeles Rams have solved their backup quarterback issue by acquiring arguably the best on the market.
On Tuesday, the Rams officially signed quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to a one-year contract.
With his track record of production and experience in high-stakes games, there’s little more Los Angeles could ask from its second-string quarterback. However, he won’t be available for the first two games of the regular season.
Garoppolo was suspended for two games after violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy. The news came alongside his release from the Las Vegas Raiders, where he spent the 2023 season.
In his introductory press conference, Garoppolo explained why he was suspended.
“Just messed up the TUE (Therapeutic Use Exemption), really,” Garoppolo said. “Just messed up the TUE when I first got to Las Vegas. Just bad timing, I guess.”
His explanation likely means that he was receiving treatment for the pedal foot fracture that forced him to miss the end of the 2022 regular season, relinquishing his spot to the underdog story that is San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy.
The TUE is a waiver players can receive that allows them access to treatment that otherwise falls under the league’s PED policy. They can compete while using said medication without being flagged for a suspension.
For whatever reason, Garoppolo’s usage seemed to fall outside of the window given to him, hence the violation and subsequent suspension.
This is notable because his timeline means it wasn’t related to treatment for the lower lumbar strain he suffered in Week 6. Garoppolo was ultimately benched for rookie Aidan O’Connell.
Garoppolo finished the season with 1,205 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and nine interceptions. He has long been criticized for finding success solely in situations with a strong supporting cast, but with the Rams improvements up front, dynamic duo at receiver, and a rising star in the backfield, that concern should be mitigated.
Garoppolo will be available to play for Week 3 and can be a part of team activities until his suspension begins.
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