Rams to start Goff at QB vs. Packers; Donald sore but ‘ready to go’
Quarterback Jared Goff will start the Rams’ playoff game against the Packers on Saturday, and John Wolford will be inactive.
Coach Sean McVay announced his decision Thursday ahead of the final workout for the Rams (11-6) before they travel to face the top-seeded Packers (13-3) at Lambeau Field.
Wolford started the Rams’ last two games, but the second-year pro was injured early in team’s 30-20 wild-card win over the Seahawks last weekend in Seattle. Wolford left the stadium in an ambulance with a neck stinger after a hit from the Seahawks’ Jamal Adams, and he hasn’t practiced this week.
Goff has been the Rams starter for the last 4 ½ years, but he sat out their regular-season finale after breaking his right thumb, missing a game due to injury for the first time in his career.
Goff then was the Rams’ backup in their first playoff game, but he relieved Wolford against the Seahawks and led the Rams to the victory with 155 yards passing.
“He’s been able to get a lot of good individual work,” McVay said of Goff ’s health. “He’s making good progress. The further you get away from that, the more normal — I know he’s been pain-free, but I think the more functionality and feeling like yourself.”
Wolford will still travel to Green Bay with the Rams, but he won’t play. Veteran Blake Bortles, who returned to the Rams in Week 17 after Goff ’s injury, will be the backup against the Packers, and rookie Bryce Perkins also might be active.
Also, All-Pro defensive tackle Aaron Donald expects to play Saturday after suffering a rib injury against the Seahawks.
“Man, my damn side is just sore,” Donald said with a laugh. “I’m good, though. I just had a whole workout. Feel strong, feel healthy, so I’m good.”
The three-time defensive player of the year is staying out of practice this week as a precaution, but the Rams don’t stop him from lifting weights and doing agility work as he prepares to chase Aaron Rodgers.
The Rams realize their success could depend on making the superstar quarterback uncomfortable in the pocket, and the team’s pass rush led by Donald and Leonard Floyd has been one of the NFL’s best all season long, with the Rams’ 53 sacks second only to the Steelers.
That doesn’t make this experience any less weird for Donald, however.
“In my whole career, I’ve never had a real injury,” Donald said. “... But I’m good. Just being cautious, being smart and making sure that come game day, I’m ready to go.”
Bieniemy maintains focus: Eric Bieniemy spent last week speaking to just about every NFL franchise with a current vacant head coaching job.
The Chiefs offensive coordinator doesn’t want to waste a second on it this week.
“Let me just say this: It was an honor and a privilege, but that’s not what we’re here for,” Bieniemy said Thursday after the Chiefs concluded their latest practice ahead of their AFC divisional round playoff game against the Browns.
“We’re here to talk about the Browns,” Bieniemy said. “We eliminate all distractions. At the end of my day, my focus and my attention is on the Browns. They’re a great team. They’re playing great ball. We’re looking forward to this challenge.”
The respected offensive innovator was among at least seven to interview with the Falcons and Lions. He spoke with the Jets and was among at least four to interview with the Jaguars, though they hired Urban Meyer on Thursday. Interview requests also have been made by the Texans.