Could Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff return for the postseason if the team qualifies even after thumb surgery? Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Rams QB Jared Goff could return for first playoff game?

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 12/29/20

The Los Angeles Rams don't necessarily have to defeat the Arizona Cardinals at SoFi Stadium this Sunday to participate in the upcoming postseason tournament and also may not be without starting quarterback Jared Goff for any potential playoff game.

Goff will be sidelined through the first weekend of January 2021 after he underwent surgery to repair the broken thumb on his throwing hand he suffered in this past Sunday's loss to the Seattle Seahawks. On Tuesday afternoon, NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported that Goff could return as early as the wild-card round of the playoffs.

From NFL Now on @nflnetwork: Yeah, it's possible Jared Goff could be back for the #Rams if they make the playoffs. pic.twitter.com/zzog5fMwS7
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) December 29, 2020

Former Alliance of American Football quarterback John Wolford, who has never thrown a pass in an NFL game, will start in place of Goff against Arizona. Blake Bortles, who previously spent time as Goff's backup, is set to rejoin the Rams for Week 17 and will sit behind Wolford on the depth chart.

The 9-6 Rams know they're in the playoffs with a win on Sunday but will also advance if the Green Bay Packers topple the 8-7 Chicago Bears. Green Bay hasn't yet secured the top seed in the NFC bracket and, thus, should be playing to win at Chicago.

Arizona, meanwhile, could be without starting signal-caller Kyler Murray because of a lower leg injury.

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