Jared Goff ‘good’ but Los Angeles Rams’ joker game status uncertain

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif .– “Good” was the word Thursday at the Los Angeles Rams’ training facility when quarterback Jared Goff spoke to reporters for the first time since undergoing surgery in thumbs up on december 28.

“It feels good,” Goff said. “It’s progressing well, it’s in the right place.”

However, it’s unclear whether Goff will start on Saturday when the Rams (10-6) face the Seattle Seahawks (12-4) in an NFL playoff game at Lumen Field.

Earlier in the week, Rams coach Sean McVay said he wouldn’t announce a starter until kick-off, and on Thursday, after the team’s final practice of the week, he kept their word.

“We’ll be working through that,” McVay said, “and we’ll see Saturday.”

Said Goff: “I have a mentality that if I have to play at some point, then I’m ready to play and just keep improving.”

For a second consecutive practice Thursday, Goff was listed on the injury report as a limited participant, although McVay said he was able to do whatever was asked of him.

“It does everything our practice allows,” McVay said. “There’s nothing quite like simulating a game with all that that entails, but when it comes to handling the ball, throwing the ball, some of the things that might worry you, he did all that. was in his power to continue to prepare to go. “

During the nine-minute training window open to reporters, Goff performed routine warm-up drills, throwing at short and medium range, then progressed into the red zone throwing to receivers. His grip seemed strong and his passes were at their usual speed. Goff said he took pictures under the center and they felt “good”.

Although he was vague on details regarding his recovery, training performance and expectations for Saturday, Goff provided details of his surgically repaired thumb, claiming a few screws had been inserted but he was unable to feel them.

Alternate quarterback John Wolford picked up a win in his first NFL start on Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals and has said he would be ready if he were to play against the Seahawks.

“I’m getting ready and I’ll be ready to play if asked,” said Wolford, who passed 231 yards with an interception in Week 17.

Goff has 3,952 yards and 20 touchdowns with 13 interceptions this season.

The Rams and Seahawks went their separate ways this season, though the Seahawks’ 20-9-week win over the Rams earned them a division title.