The 2022 season has been an unmitigated disaster for the defending champion Rams. They're 4-9, Matthew Stafford is likely out for the season with a spinal contusion, and Cooper Kupp could well be shut down for the year at this point after having ankle surgery in late November.
After Stafford went on IR, the Rams found themselves with a dearth of options at quarterback, with John Wolford injured and Bryce Perkins struggling in his start against the Chiefs.
As a result, the Rams turned to Baker Mayfield, a bit of a castoff himself after he requested his release from the Panthers and they obliged.
Mayfield, who was claimed off waivers last Tuesday, was unexpectedly thrust into action against Las Vegas on Thursday and shocked the world by leading his new team to a comeback win in his first game as a Ram. Not bad for a guy who only got one short practice with his new team.
With Mayfield's debut win fresh in our minds — and Wolford still dealing with a neck injury — here's an up-to-date look at the Rams' QB depth chart in the absence of Stafford and with the addition of Mayfield.
MORE: Why the Rams claimed Baker Mayfield off waivers
Rams quarterback depth chart
1. Baker Mayfield
Mayfield, who was released by the Panthers last Monday, capped off a whirlwind 48-hour period by leading the Rams to a comeback win over the Raiders on "Thursday Night Football." While his status as a reliable starter is still up in the air after a rough tenure with the Panthers, he showed he clearly still has something left to prove as an NFL quarterback.
Rams head coach Sean McVay told reporters on Tuesday that Mayfield is set to make his first start for the team in Week 15. He indicated John Wolford will "probably" be out as he recovers from a neck injury.
For now, it appears the win has installed him as the team's new interim No. 1 QB as Matthew Stafford continues to recover from a spinal cord contusion and Wolford deals with an injury of his own.
2. John Wolford
Wolford continues to battle a neck injury that has bugged him for several weeks. He played the first series against Las Vegas in Week 14, but checked out after that and didn't see the field for the rest of the night.
The Rams are now technically 1-2 with Wolford as their starter this season, but last week's win was entirely thanks to Mayfield stepping in. Wolford, the third-year QB, has gone 38 of 62 for 390 yards, a touchdown, and an interception this year. In spite of those struggles, the Rams have continued to try to keep him on the field, for lack of better options. Now, he'll have to wait and see if Mayfield stakes a claim for the job in his absence.
3. Bryce Perkins
The Rams have also tried Perkins in the starting job, but he struggled against the Chiefs two weeks ago. Perkins went 13 of 23 for 100 yards, a touchdown, and a pair of interceptions.
Picked up as an undrafted free agent in 2020, Perkins has seen his first game action this season. It has been less than inspiring, and it would appear he's dropped to the bottom of the pecking order since the arrival of Mayfield.