The Los Angeles Rams find themselves in a challenging situation as quarterback Matthew Stafford‘s injured right thumb will sideline him for Week 9. Brett Rypien is set to step into the starting role against the Green Bay Packers, according to reports from NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero.

In Week 8, Rypien came off the bench to replace Stafford during the Rams’ loss to the Cowboys after Stafford suffered a sprained UCL in his right thumb. Sean McVay declared that Stafford, who missed practice throughout the week, would be on a day-to-day basis. The Rams hope to weather the storm for just this one game without Stafford, especially with a bye week approaching.

Stafford has amassed 2,070 passing yards, eight touchdowns, and seven interceptions in eight games with the Rams this season. While his statistics may not scream excellence, he has displayed his veteran expertise with precise passing and a strong arm. His absence is a significant blow to the team.

Brett Rypien Takes the Reins as Rams Navigate Stafford’s Absence in Week 9 Showdown

Entering for this matchup appears a player like Rypien, who contributed 42 passing yards on 5-of-10 attempts with no touchdowns or interceptions in his relief appearance last week against the Cowboys, is now entrusted with the starting role. This will be his first start since Week 15 of the previous season when he led the Denver Broncos to victory over the Arizona Cardinals.

Rypien began his career as an undrafted free agent with the Denver Broncos in 2019 and has accumulated 820 passing yards, four touchdowns, and eight interceptions in nine games. Despite his limited experience, the 27-year-old quarterback holds a 2-1 record as a starter, which is not far from his upcoming counterpart, 25-year-old Jordan Love, who has gone 2-6 as a starter.

The Rams, holding a 3-5 record in the current season, are gearing up to face the Green Bay Packers, who sit at 2-5, in an eagerly anticipated Sunday clash scheduled for 1 p.m. ET. The outcome of this game will be of heightened interest, as the Rams confront the intricate problem of playing without Stafford at the helm.