Jimmy Garoppolo will start an NFL game for the first time in over a year, as the Rams will be able to rest starter Matthew Stafford for the postseason.
Garoppolo, who will be called up for Sunday's game between the NFC West champion Rams and Seahawks, hasn't started a game for the Raiders since Week 8 of 2023.
On a larger level, this is a chance for the 33-year-old Garoppolo to show the rest of the NFL how much he still has going into free agency this offseason.
Garoppolo was a key starter in San Francisco from 2019-2022 and appeared in the Super Bowl in 2020 before signing a one-year deal with the Rams this offseason before struggling in Las Vegas last season. Many injuries hampered his career.
This year, he spent the majority of his time as a quarterback on the Rams' scout team, looking for an opportunity to prove himself.
“Anytime you step on the grass in live action, that's your resume,” Garoppolo said Wednesday. According to the Orange County Register. “So, I've always approached it that way and this week will be no different.”
The veteran QB also said it's been “a long time” since he had a chance to play.
Rams head coach Sean McVay praised Garoppolo's professionalism and how he carried himself throughout the season.
“All I've seen are guys who wrestled like a pro,” McVay said. “I've never seen a guy so consistent. He has a great way with himself. He used up all the practice he had accumulated to get better. He has greatly contributed to the growth of our defense.”
With Garoppolo starting, third-stringer Stetson Bennett IV will be a backup for Sunday's final regular-season game.
Los Angeles is also considering whether to use other starting pitchers on Sunday.
