Los Angeles Rams QB Brett Rypien 'Doing A Lot of Good Things' with Matthew Stafford Day-to-Day

If Matthew Stafford cannot play against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, the Los Angeles Rams will call on his backup Brett Rypien, to start at quarterback.

The Los Angeles Rams are in a state of uncertainty as they prepare for Sunday's game versus the Green Bay Packers. Starting quarterback Matthew Stafford has missed time in practice this week in the lead-up following the UCL sprain in his right thumb that he suffered in the 43-20 loss to the Dallas Cowboys and has an injury designation of "day-to-day."

So, with the 35-year-old watching practice from the sideline for the first time this season, the Rams have called upon his backup, Brett Rypien, to fill his place with the first-team offense during practice.

“Moving around, doing a lot of good things, making a lot of good throws, doing things that you want to see, helping us to get better,” Rams star defensive tackle Aaron Donald said of Rypien's performance in practice so far. “Obviously, you have confidence in that aspect, knowing that he’s going to do what he needs to do.”

While Rypien is taking the practice reps with the first-team offense, it doesn't mean Stafford is ruled out of Sunday's game. Rather, as coach Sean McVay recently revealed, Stafford's status likely won't be decided right up until game time.

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Brett Rypien and defensive tackle Aaron Donald / USA TODAY Sports

If Stafford is not healthy enough to play, it will be the fourth career start for Rypien, who began his career as the backup quarterback for the Denver Broncos before signing with the Rams this past offseason. Rypien's last start came last season against the Arizona Cardinals, where he completed 21 of his 26 passes for 197 yards with a touchdown and an interception in a 24-15 win for the Cardinals. 

“He was making some good throws at practice throughout the season, making it tough on us. ..." Donald said. “It’s things like that that you see, and I said, obviously, you want your guys out there, but you’re confident with the next guy up because you see things like that.”

Rypien will hope to advance to 3-1 as a starter on Sunday, where kickoff between the Rams and Packers is scheduled for 10 a.m. (PT) inside Lambeau Field.