The Rams may be without starting quarterback Matthew Stafford on Sunday at Lambeau Field against the Packers. If that's the case, Brett Rypien will get the nod under center.
Rypien has gotten first-team reps in practice this week since Stafford has been nursing his sprained thumb on his throwing hand that was injured against the Cowboys. Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald has been impressed with Rypien's work this week.
“Moving around, doing a lot of good things, making a lot of good throws, doing things that you want to see, helping us to get better,” Donald said. “Obviously, you have confidence in that aspect knowing that he’s going to do what he needs to do.”
Rypien worked with the second-team offense in training camp and running the scout team this season in practice. And Donald has also noticed he seems more mobile than some thought.
“He was making some good throws at practice throughout the season, making it tough on us. Definitely, like you said, extending plays with his feet, running around in the pocket at times and making some good throws down the field, some accurate passes,” Donald added. “It’s things like that that you see, and I said, obviously, you want your guys out there, but you’re confident with the next guy up because you see things like that.”
Rypien completed five of ten passes for 42 yards in relief of Stafford late in the contest against Dallas. If he has to go on Sunday, he'll have had a full week of work and the team is confident he'll perform well.
Stafford has not yet been ruled out of the game, and will likely be a game-time decision.
More must-reads: