The Los Angeles Rams‘ Super Bowl defense has not gone as planned in 2022 as the team has dealt with a plethora of injuries and currently sits in last place at 3-8 after five consecutive losses.
One of those injuries has been to star quarterback Matthew Stafford, who missed two of the last three games. Stafford originally went into the concussion protocol and missed the Week 10 loss to the Arizona Cardinals before returning against the New Orleans Saints in Week 11.
Stafford only made it to the third quarter of that game before leaving and entering the concussion protocol once again. He is believed to be dealing with a neck issue and considering the Rams are out of the playoff race, it’s possible that he does not see the field again this season.
With that being the case, the Rams turned to third-stringer Bryce Perkins in Week 12 against the Kansas City Chiefs. Anyone who has watched Rams preseason games the last few years is familiar with Perkins. But for anyone that isn’t, let’s get to know the Rams’ dual-threat quarterback.
Where did Bryce Perkins play college football?
After growing up in Chandler, Arizona, Perkins stayed close to home for college as he originally committed to Arizona State. However, Perkins never played a game there as he redshirted in 2015 and then missed the entire 2016 season with a broken neck.
Perkins then transferred to Arizona Western College in 2017 where he had a strong season before transferring to the University of Virginia.
At Virginia, Perkins served as the team’s starter for two seasons in 2018 and 2019. He threw for 2,680 yards, 25 touchdowns and nine interceptions to go along with 923 rushing yards and nine touchdowns on the ground in 2018 and then 3,530 passing yards, 22 touchdowns and 12 interceptions with 769 rushing yards and 11 rushing touchdowns in 2019.
When did Bryce Perkins enter the NFL?
Perkins originally signed with the Rams as an undrafted free agent in 2020. He was cut at the end of training camp that year and joined the team’s practice squad.
After spending a year on the practice squad, Perkins earned a roster spot as the third-string quarterback after an impressive preseason in 2021.
What is Bryce Perkins’ salary?
Perkins is currently in the second year of a two-year, $1,485,000 contract with the Rams. He will be an exclusive rights free agent this offseason so L.A. will have the ability to keep him if they want.
How many more games will Bryce Perkins start for the Rams?
After the loss to the Chiefs, Sean McVay was noncommittal about who would be the team’s quarterback going forward. If Stafford is unable to return in 2022 then McVay will have to decide between Perkins and John Wolford.
Wolford has been ahead of Perkins on the depth chart the last two years but has missed time with injuries of his own.
Perkins also presents more upside with his dual-threat ability so it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Rams give him a runway to play the rest of the season to see what he’s got.
