The Los Angeles Rams remain optimistic that starting quarterback Matthew Stafford will be able to return from a thumb injury following the team’s bye week, but they are adding veteran Carson Wentz as insurance.

Stafford suffered a sprained ulnar collateral ligament in his right throwing thumb during the Rams’ 43-20 loss to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 8.

Brett Rypien got the start in Week 9 and struggled as Los Angeles dropped to 3-6 with a 20-3 defeat to the Green Bay Packers.

Rypien completed 13 of 28 passes for 130 yards with one interception for a 45.2 passer rating – the 12th-worst in a single game in the NFL this season.

The Rams reportedly will release Rypien once Wentz’s signing becomes official.

Rams to sign QB Carson Wentz. (via @TomPelissero) pic.twitter.com/ZaJxqGy3Rx

— NFL (@NFL) November 7, 2023

Wentz has not played in the NFL since appearing in eight games with the Washington Commanders last season.

The Eagles drafted Wentz with the second overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, and he played his first five seasons with Philadelphia before spending one campaign each with the Indianapolis Colts and Washington.

Wentz has passed for 22,129 yards with 151 touchdowns and 66 interceptions in 93 career games while adding 1,362 rushing yards and 10 TDs on the ground.

Los Angeles next plays on November 19 when it hosts the Seattle Seahawks.