Quarterback Mayfield Takes the Field for the Los Angeles Rams

That was fast. After opening their Thursday Night Football matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders with a three-and-out, the Los Angles Rams have benched starting quarterback John Wolford in favor of recently acquired passer Baker Mayfield.

.@bakermayfield’s 1st pass attempt 🔥#LVvsLAR on Prime Video
Also available on NFL+ https://t.co/m65o43ZLpv pic.twitter.com/c2UOG8qSQP
— NFL (@NFL) December 9, 2022

Mayfield completed one of two pass attempts for 21 yards and added one scramble for six yards on his opening drive, setting up a successful 55-yard field goal attempt for kicker Matt Gay. Not bad for two days' notice.

Mayfield was claimed by the Rams on Tuesday afternoon after being waived by the Carolina Panthers on Monday. He was rumored to be in line for starting duties this week, and though that didn't technically materialize, he appears poised to play the majority of tonight's game. He played every snap of the Rams' third drive, completing two more pass attempts for 44 yards.

Mayfield originally entered the league as the Cleveland Browns' first overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft following a Heisman Trophy-winning senior season at Oklahoma. He fell out of favor with the Browns after going 29-30 over four seasons and was traded to the Carolina Panthers this offseason, where he lost five of his six starts. Depending on his play over the final five games of the season, the Rams may be his last chance at relevance.