The Los Angeles Rams made a major move on Tuesday afternoon, signing veteran and former No. 2 overall NFL Draft pick Carson Wentz, according to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Wentz is likely being signed as a backup for starting quarterback Matthew Stafford, who was sidelined for Sunday’s game against the Green Bay Packers due to a thumb injury sustained against the Dallas Cowboys on October 29.

Stafford was replaced by Brett Rypien in the starting lineup for the Rams, who led the offense to just three points in a crushing defeat.

Wentz was most recently with the Washington Commanders in 2022, played in eight games, and started seven of those games, going 2-5 as a starter.

Wentz completed 62.3 percent of his passes for 1,755 yards and 11 touchdowns with nine interceptions during his season with Washington.

This is the second time in as many years that the Rams have been forced to turn to a veteran backup in the wake of a Stafford injury, with Baker Mayfield being signed last season after Stafford’s season ended.

Mayfield was able to parlay the success of that stint with L.A. into a full-time starting role with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

All that said, Rams coach Sean McVay remains hopeful that Stafford will be able to return in time for their Nov. 19 NFC West matchup with the Seattle Seahawks.

“I hope so. That’s the hope. “I am aware that this man is extremely resilient,” McVay remarked.

We have already seen examples of him playing through things that not many people will do this year. I’m hopeful.

I do not know enough about the precise state of our recuperation or our ball-grip proficiency. I’m optimistic. I’ll leave that door open.”

Stafford’s return in time for that game will be crucial, even with the addition of Wentz, as the Rams are currently 3-5 and looking to make the playoffs.