Report: Rams will sit Matthew Stafford, start Carson Wentz vs. 49ers

Backup quarterback Carson Wentz will start in place of Matthew Stafford Sunday against the 49ers.

The Los Angeles Rams will sit starting quarterback Matthew Stafford against the 49ers in favor of backup Carson Wentz.

The Rams, 9-7, have already clinched either the No. 6 or No. 7 playoff berth so coach Sean McVay, according to the NFL Network’s Mike Garofolo Wednesday, has opted to protect his starting quarterback for the wild card.

Whether the Rams are No. 6 or No. 7, it’s conceivable that with a win in the wild card round their next opponent would be the 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on Jan. 20 or 21.

Wentz signed with the Rams Nov. 12 and has taken just three offensive snaps and has not thrown a pass.

A former No. 2 overall pick by Philadelphia, Wentz has played for the Eagles, Indianapolis and Washington with a career record of 46-45-1 as a starter.

Wentz came off the bench in a 37-20 loss to the 49ers last season in place of starter Taylor Heinecke and completed 12 of 16 passes for a 123 yards and a touchdown. In 2021, Wentz started on a rainy night at Levi’s Stadium in a 30-18 win for Indianapolis over the 49ers, completing 17 of 26 passes for 150 yards with two touchdowns and one interception.

The 49ers (12-4), owners of the No. 1 seed and a first-round bye, have yet to decide who and who won’t be playing against the Rams. Asked directly about whether starting quarterback Brock Purdy would play Monday, coach Kyle Shanahan said “we’re still discussing those things.”

Sam Darnold, signed in the offseason to back up Brock Purdy has played 69 snaps in nine games and should get his most extensive playing time of the season even if Purdy were to start and play a few series.

Los Angeles has won five of its last six games. Stafford has completed 64 percent of his passes for 3,965 yards, 24 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.