Rams claim Baker Mayfield

The Los Angeles Rams were the lucky winners of the Baker Mayfield sweepstakes after he was put on waivers by the Carolina Panthers on Monday.

Former No. 1 overall pick Baker Mayfield was claimed on waivers today by the Los Angeles Rams, per league sources. The Rams now inherit the remaining $1.35 million on Mayfield’s contract. Mayfield is expected to fly to LA by tonight and could play Thursday night vs. the Raiders. pic.twitter.com/CAIVhY25Nu

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 6, 2022

While he's not expected to start on Thursday night, Mayfield reportedly went straight to LA, playbook in hand and ready to learn the offense. The Rams placed starting quarterback Matthew Stafford on injured reserve after a series of injuries; backup John Wolford is also injured, leaving Bryce Perkins at the position.

While Los Angeles is all but done as far as the playoff race goes, and Mayfield hasn't exactly lit it up in the NFL, this is the best roster he's been a part of thus far. It'll be interesting to see what comes of this move long-term.

Despite a few other teams potentially needing someone at the QB position, the Rams were the only team to put in a waiver claim for Mayfield.

more qb news:

• In probably the best news they could have gotten, Jimmy Garoppolo got good news on his foot injury on Tuesday, avoiding a Lisfranc injury and surgery. Garoppolo could return in 7-8 weeks, putting him in the window to return in the postseason, should the San Francisco 49ers make it that far without him. The Niners plan to roll with Brock Purdy at the starting role for the time being.
  • The Niners signed QB Josh Johnson to a one-year deal.
    
  • San Francisco did not put a waiver claim in on Mayfield.
    

Sources: Doctors concluded today that 49ers' QB Jimmy Garoppolo does not need foot surgery, it is not a Lisfranc injury, and if rehab goes smoothly, he could have a chance to return in 7-8 weeks, making him a potential playoff contributor. pic.twitter.com/beYu1Pa9KU

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 6, 2022

• Baltimore Ravens quarterback has been diagnosed with a sprained PCL, and will likely miss Week 14's game. A typical recovery period for this type of injury is 1-3 weeks.
  
  • While the Pittsburgh Steelers aren't likely to face starting quarterback Lamar Jackson on Sunday, they will meet Tyler Huntley, a familiar face for them. Huntley played a pretty solid game against Pittsburgh last season, and head coach Mike Tomlin says they're expecting an improved Huntley. "We expect to see a much better guy."
    

Ravens’ QB Lamar Jackson suffered a sprained PCL during Sunday’s win over the Denver Broncos, per league sources. PCL injuries often sideline players 1-to-3 weeks and Ravens’ HC John Harbaugh already has said Jackson is “less likely” to play Sunday vs. the Steelers. pic.twitter.com/4ra4KDuUdQ

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 6, 2022

• The Indianapolis Colts have a bye week in Week 14, and they'll (hopefully) spend it evaluating things. Head coach Jeff Saturday says they'll look at everything, including the QB position because Matt Ryan is bad. "We're going to look at everything, no position in particular, but everybody. We need the best 11 on the field every time. If we think somebody gives us a better chance to win, let's have those discussions this week."
  

• Speaking of benching quarterbacks on their bye week, I present to you the Atlanta Falcons. Head coach Arthur Smith talked about making team changes during this week off. "We've got to get over this hump here, and there are a lot of things at stake. It's going to be what's best for this team short term and long term."
  

• Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said there could be discussions about backup QB Jordan Love starting games late in the regular season.
  

• Tua Tagovailoa left Sunday's game early while dealing with an ankle injury. Head coach Mike McDaniel said it's not a big deal, and Tagovailoa shouldn't miss any time. "We will just be mindful of what he does...But I'm very confident and don't anticipate any sort of setback that would negate him playing in the upcoming football match."
  

• The Washington Commanders seem prepared to ride the Taylor Heinicke wave from now on, with Carson Wentz as the backup. Head coach Ron Rivera confirmed. "I feel comfortable with Taylor. When Carson's activated, he'll be the primary backup, and we'll go from there."
  

• John Wolford returned to a limited practice on Tuesday.