Rams intend to sign Bortles following Goff's thumb injury

Blake Bortles is back with the Rams due to Jared Goff's injury. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Rams intend to sign Blake Bortles following Jared Goff's thumb injury

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 12/29/20

The Los Angeles Rams will be without starting quarterback Jared Goff in a critical Week 17 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals after he underwent thumb surgery on Monday. While John Wolford will get the start in his place, the team is in need of a backup quarterback.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Rams intend to sign Blake Bortles off the Denver Broncos practice squad for Sunday's season finale.

Rams’ QB John Wolford is expected to start on Sunday vs. Arizona and LA now plans to sign Blake Bortles off Denver’s practice squad to be his backup.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 29, 2020

Bortles has been with the Broncos since late September and is free to join the Rams' active roster since he's only on Denver's practice squad. The 28-year-old spent the 2019 season as Goff's backup, appearing in three games with two pass attempts.

Wolford has yet to throw an NFL pass, so re-signing Bortles is the best way to go for the Rams. Bortles is familiar with Sean McVay's system and could eventually see playing time if Wolford struggles and Goff misses an extended period of time.

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