The Los Angeles Rams will reportedly be without starting quarterback Jared Goff on January 3 against the Arizona Cardinals, according to a Monday evening report from Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. Goff will miss the pivotal Week 17 matchup due to a broken and dislocated thumb on his throwing hand, an injury that required surgery this week.

If the Rams manage to reach the postseason ahead of the Chicago Bears and rival Cardinals with backup quarterback John Wolford under center in Week 17, Goff hopes to be back in time to suit up for Los Angeles in the playoffs. If the Rams do ultimately reach the postseason, Los Angeles would play 13 days from Monday when Goff underwent his procedure.

Goff initially wanted to potentially put off going under the knife in order to keep playing. However, it eventually became a matter of further risking additional damage to his injured thumb if he continued to suit up while forgoing immediate surgery. Now preventing further damage despite being forced from the Week 17 clash between the Rams and the Cardinals, Goff still has a chance to return in the postseason in 2020-21. Leading to his decision to undergo a procedure, Goff notably met with Dr. Steven Shin, who previously treated New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, who encountered a thumb injury of his own last season.

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It is also worth mentioning that the aforementioned Wolford, who will replace Goff for the Rams, will presumably become the first signal caller to make his first NFL start for a team with a postseason berth on the line in Week 17 since journeyman Kyle Orton, who did so for the Dallas Cowboys back in 2013.

Kyle Orton played for the Bears in addition to the Cowboys. The Bears will play the Packers at the same time the Rams play the Cardinals. The Bears are counting on the Rams to beat the Cardinals and usher Chicago into the playoffs even if Matt Nagy's team can't upset the Packers.