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Rams starting QB Brett Rypien for injured Matthew Stafford

The Los Angeles Rams will start Brett Rypien at quarterback Sunday against the Green Bay Packers.

Rypien will start in place of Matthew Stafford, who is inactive.

Stafford had been considered unlikely to play as he deals with a thumb injury. The Rams gave Stafford all the time they could before making a final decision about his availability, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Stafford suffered an ulnar collateral ligament sprain in his right thumb in last week's loss to the Dallas Cowboys. He had been listed as questionable.

Rams star rookie wide receiver Puka Nacua, who was also listed as questionable against the Packers, is active for Sunday's game.

Midway through the past week, one source said it "would have been unthinkable" for Stafford to play Sunday, but the veteran quarterback had made some progress.

The Rams head into their bye week after Sunday's game, which gives Stafford two weeks to recover before their next game on Nov. 19 at Seattle.

Dresser Winn will serve as Rypien's backup.