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Baker Mayfield Relieves Rams Starter John Wolford After First Series on ‘TNF’ vs. Raiders

The veteran quarterback could potentially make his L.A. debut two days after getting claimed off waivers.

Jelani Scott

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As the Rams and Raiders prepare to meet on Thursday Night Football, a video showing L.A.’s newest quarterback warming up prior to kickoff has added to the speculation concerning his possible debut.

Footage shared by NFL Network’s Steve Wyche captured a few pre-game moments of Baker Mayfield loosening up on the field at SoFi Stadium. Earlier in the day, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Mayfield, who was claimed by the Rams off waivers on Tuesday, could possibly start against Las Vegas if injured starter John Wolford (neck) didn’t pass a pre-game evaluation.

The Rams elected to start Wolford, and kept both Mayfield and third-stringer Bryce Perkins active to serve as backups. Wolford did not attempt a pass on L.A.’s opening drive before he was replaced by Mayfield on the ensuing series.

A TNF debut not only ushers in the next phase of Mayfield’s career in style but it also is quite the quick turnaround for the 27-year-old following his release from the Panthers on Monday. He’ll look to provide a spark for the struggling Rams (3–9) against an old rival in his first game in his new NFL home.

A starter in six of his seven games played this season, Mayfield has accumulated 1,313 passing yards, six touchdown passes and six interceptions.

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Kickoff for the Rams’ matchup against the Raiders (5–7) is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. ET on Amazon Prime.

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Jelani Scott
JELANI SCOTT

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