Rams starting QB today: Is Matthew Stafford playing tonight? 

The Los Angeles Rams placed starting quarterback Matthew Stafford on injured reserve. This no longer rules him out for the season, but a minimum of four weeks. However, it does mean he isn't starting any of the next couple of games.

Stafford missed Thursday Night Football against the Las Vegas Raiders. Since he was on IR, he could not be active. He's been struggling with neck and back issues that may either end his career or force him to have a serious surgical procedure.

The IR designation would allow Stafford to return at the end of the season. However, since the Rams have nine losses already, it will probably not be worth suiting up since they will more than likely be eliminated from the postseason.

They're technically still in the playoff hunt, but they are hanging on by a barely-there thread. As a result, Stafford is not playing tonight, nor is he likely to play again this season.

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Who will start for the Los Angeles Rams in Matthew Stafford's absence?

Initially, Bryce Perkins came in in relief of Stafford. He entered the game against the New Orleans Saints that they eventually lost. He also started the following week.

However, he also sustained a neck injury. This forced the Rams to turn to third-string quarterback John Wolford. With an injury and a questionable designation on Thursday, the Rams claimed former Carolina Panthers quarterback Baker Mayfield on waivers.

Just two days after landing on the roster, Mayfield entered the game and led a dramatic and improbable comeback. The Rams expect him to suit up as the starter for the rest of the season.

Baker Mayfield after the victory

Mayfield finished 22 of 35 passing for 230 yards and a single touchdown. He did throw an interception that was called off because of a pass interference penalty.

He ended the game with a stunning 98-yard drive. The Rams marched down the field in about 90 seconds and Mayfield threw a dime to Van Jefferson with less than 10 seconds remaining. They did this entirely without timeouts, too.

Mayfield's stunning performance, which came without much knowledge of the playbook and much practice time, earned him the starting job for the time being, something he lost in Carolina. We will see if he can hold on to it and build himself a brighter future.