Quarterback Carson Wentz will get a brief opportunity for redemption in Week 18 when he goes under center for the Los Angeles Rams.
The Rams have clinched a playoff spot ahead of their regular-season finale against the San Francisco 49ers and know they’ll have a road game in the wild-card round as either the No. 6 or No. 7 seed. With little to lose, head coach Sean McVay can afford to rest starting signal-caller Matthew Stafford and give Wentz a chance to show why he is a former No. 2 overall pick.
The North Dakota State product signed with Los Angeles in early November and has played in just one game this season, taking three snaps without recording a pass attempt in Week 12.
The Rams are Wentz’s fourth team in the last four seasons.
He spent the first five seasons of his career with the Philadelphia Eagles, earning a Pro Bowl honor in 2017 and was later traded to the Indianapolis Colts in March 2021. Nearly one year later, Wentz was sent to the Washington Commanders.
The one-time Super Bowl champion missed time last season with a broken finger and upon his return to health, had lost the starting job to Taylor Heinicke. 2022 fifth-round draft pick Sam Howell started the team’s Week 18 regular-season finale against the Dallas Cowboys with Heinicke serving as the backup.
Wentz’s most recent start came just over one year ago in Week 17 on New Year’s Day 2023 during the Commanders’ 24-10 loss against the Cleveland Browns, which eliminated the team from playoff contention. In his first start in 11 weeks, Wentz finished 16-of-28 for 143 passing yards, no touchdowns and three interceptions while adding three carries for seven yards and one score.
He was released by Washington in February and made his return to the league when he joined Los Angeles.
Sunday’s Week 18 matchup against the Niners will mean little in the playoff picture for the Rams but it could mean a great deal more to their backup quarterback.
