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Baker Mayfield was released by the Carolina Panthers earlier this week, but was almost instantly claimed on waivers by the Los Angeles Rams. He joined the team on Tuesday, which was always going to make a Thursday night (when the Rams played) appearance a long shot.
However, according to NFL reporter Tom Pelissero, the former Panthers and Cleveland Browns quarterback will be active tonight.
Pelissero tweeted:
"New Rams QB Baker Mayfield is expected to be active tonight vs. the Raiders and there’s a real chance he plays, per sources. His role will depend in part on how John Wolford (questionable, neck) is feeling. Mayfield got in Tuesday night and is up to speed on the full game plan."
The Rams lost Matthew Stafford for at least four weeks, meaning he could only return for the final week of the season. Backup Bryce Perkins also got hurt, which left them with John Wolford. Signing the former Panthers QB gives them depth and if anyone can help him return to the stature that got him selected first overall, it's head coach Sean McVay.
It may be in fleeting moments, but the quarterback's first playing time with his new team might just come tonight - two days after he joined the team.
Why was Baker Mayfield released from the Panthers?
The former Cleveland Browns star requested a trade after his team brought in Deshaun Watson. He was sent to Carolina, where the team has been desperately looking for a quarterback for the last four seasons.
Mayfield began the year as the starter over Sam Darnold. He was ineffective and got hurt, creating an opening for preseason number four quarterback P.J. Walker. Walker came in and played well, relegating Mayfield to the bench.
When Walker got hurt, it provided a chance for Mayfield, but he played poorly against Baltimore in a winnable game. He was then benched for Darnold, who earned a win over the Denver Broncos. As a result, Mayfield requested his release, seeking a chance to prove himself elsewhere before his contract expires.
If this seems like a gamble on his part, that's because it is. We will see if Baker Mayfield can change the trajectory of his career over the coming weeks.
