(LOS ANGELES) — Carson Wentz flew to Los Angeles during the Rams’ bye week last Wednesday and then rushed back to North Dakota. His wife went into labor several hours later and gave birth to their third daughter last Friday.
“It’s been a whirlwind,” said Wentz. “The whole offseason has been strange for me.”
Wentz’s current week should be much less dramatic, as he returned to the West Coast last weekend to begin his new job as Matthew Stafford’s backup. Wentz, who was released from the NFL earlier this month, will take one snap against the Seattle Seahawks (6-3) on Sunday.
Wentz spent the previous seven years almost entirely as an NFL starter when healthy, so he is in an unfamiliar role in an unfamiliar setting. Given Stafford’s recent injury history, he is cramming Sean McVay’s playbook and scrambling to get ready for the opportunity that could present itself soon with the Rams.
“I will say the NFL has a way of humbling everybody,” Wentz said in an interview. “It’s a process, but I’m no slacker.” I’ve seen everything. I understand how this league works and how last year ended. I didn’t play well enough, so I knew what it could be. Don’t get me wrong: we all want to be the guy playing. Everyone would be lying to you if I said otherwise, but we also know our stuff. It’s a tough league, and just being on a team with the guys is a blessing in and of itself.”
Wentz was a starter for the Washington Commanders last season before breaking his finger and losing the job to Taylor Heinecke. He was acquired by Washington from Indianapolis, where he had spent one productive season following his five-year stint in Philadelphia.
Wentz was released by the Commanders in February, and he returned home to figure out his next move. He continued to work out and even spent time with former NFL coach Jon Gruden in late summer to stay in shape.
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