Leon Halip/Getty ImagesNo. 1 overall draft pick Jared Goff's young NFL career hit a speed bump in Week 15, as he was evaluated for a potential concussion during a 24-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, per Myles Simmons of the team's official website.
However, he will start against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 16 after clearing the concussion protocol, according to Rams interim head coach John Fassel (via Simmons). Sean Mannion will serve as Goff's backup, per Jack Wang of the Los Angeles Daily News.
"There was a little disrespect in his running style, he was acting like he was getting a freebie to [the] end zone," Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman said of the hit he put on the quarterback, per Dan Hellie of NFL Network.
Although Goff began the season in a backup capacity behind Case Keenum, he was named the starter ahead of the Rams' Week 11 game against the Miami Dolphins. He entered the game in Week 15 with 744 passing yards, four touchdown passes and five interceptions.
The Rams identified Goff as their quarterback of the future and face of the franchise ahead of the 2016 draft, and they gave up plenty in a trade with the Tennessee Titans for the right to select him.
The 22-year-old rookie enjoyed a durable collegiate career at California, even during a freshman campaign that saw him get beaten and battered routinely behind a bad offensive line.
Injuries come with the territory due to the rigors of the long and grueling NFL season, and it can be a difficult adjustment for young players.
Los Angeles also has the benefit of a highly talented running back in Todd Gurley, but the sophomore speedster has struggled and the Rams need more production out of him—particularly as their rookie QB acclimates to the pro level.
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