Rams to start Jared Goff at quarterback in playoff game vs. Packers

Jan. 14 (UPI) -- The Los Angeles Rams will start Pro Bowl quarterback Jared Goff in their divisional-round game against the Green Bay Packers on Saturday.

Rams head coach Sean McVay told reporters Thursday that John Wolford, who started last week's wild-card game against the Seattle Seahawks, was ruled out because of a neck injury, leaving Goff as the starter. Blake Bortles will serve as the Rams' backup signal-caller.

McVay expressed disappointment that Wolford was unable to practice this week, but the 34-year-old coach said Goff is making progress while recovering from thumb surgery on his throwing hand. Goff underwent the procedure Dec. 28 and missed the team's regular-season finale against the Arizona Cardinals.

The operation also forced Goff to begin last week's game as the backup to Wolford. He entered the game after Wolford exited with a neck injury.

"When you watch him throw last week to this week, it is definitely trending in the right direction," McVay said. "It looks like the Jared that we're accustomed to who has always been a natural thrower of the football."

Goff completed 9 of 19 passes for 155 yards against the Seahawks last week.