Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is known for being one of the toughest QBs in the NFL. He has shown the ability to withstand a tremendous amount of wear and tear throughout his career and still remains on the field for his team. Week 9 looks to be a rare case of Stafford not being able to be under center for his squad, but it wasn’t for a lack of effort.
All week, the conversation surrounding Stafford and his thumb injury was giving him every chance to play and wait until the last minute to make a decision to rule him out. With Stafford being sat down for the evening, it puts NFL journeyman Brett Rypien under center for a Rams team that needs a win.
Who is Rypien? Let’s take a closer look at the veteran QB ahead of his start.
Another Opportunity for Brett Rypien
Rypien was born in Spokane, Washington, where he attended Shadle Park High School and was a four-year starting quarterback.
Rypien was rated by both Rivals and Scout as a four-star recruit coming out of high school. After he was done setting Washington state records for career passing yards (13,044), pass completions (1,006), and single-season records for passing yards (4,552) and touchdowns (50), Rypien decided to take his talents to Boise State for college.
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Rypien went on to start 49 games during his time at Boise State, finishing 37-12 during that time. Rypien ended his college career with 13,581 passing yards, 90 passing touchdowns, 29 interceptions, and three rushing touchdowns.
After his college career, Rypien went undrafted in the 2019 NFL Draft and decided to sign with the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent. He spent the next four seasons with the Broncos and appeared in nine games, starting three of them for a record of 2-1.
Following the 2022 season, Rypien signed with the Rams, the team he is set to start for today (Nov. 5, 2023).
Can Rypien Keep the Los Angeles Rams Afloat?
The Rams are currently 3-5 and falling behind the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers for the division crown in the NFC West. Rypien will be tasked with finding a way for the Rams to find a way to beat the Green Bay Packers and get their fourth win of the season as they look to stay in contention in the NFC Playoff picture.
How long Stafford will be out remains a question at this time. But with the stint expected to be a short one, if Rypien is able to pull out a win today against the Packers, it could be a huge deal for the Rams going forward.