LOS ANGELES — With the NFC West title already in hand, the Rams (10-6) will turn to backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to start in the regular-season finale against the Seattle Seahawks (9-7), head coach Sean McVay announced on Wednesday.

Third-stringer Stetson Bennett IV will serve as the backup while starter Matthew Stafford will be inactive as the Rams prioritize letting him rest over securing the NFC’s three seed in the playoffs.

“I think there’s a difference if you’re talking about you’re playing for a bye,” McVay said. “While we want to finish the season strong, I think it does provide possibly the opportunity for guys to get some reps that they wouldn’t otherwise get and then guys that have had a bunch of wear and tear on their bodies to get fresh.”

The Rams are still finalizing the decision of whether or not to rest other starters, and whether or not offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur will call plays instead of McVay against the Seahawks.

But in the meantime, Sunday will be Garoppolo’s show. The veteran quarterback signed a one-year contract with the Rams this offseason after years as the starter in San Francisco and one turbulent year with the Raiders in Las Vegas. He has bided his time as Stafford ran the offense.

Part of the reason Garoppolo signed with the Rams in March was the organization’s history of developing its full quarterback room, not just the starters. Baker Mayfield turned his career around after spending a month and change with the team. Carson Wentz turned a one-game resume in Week 18 a year ago into a backup job with the Chiefs this season.

Garoppolo has felt some of that impact, saying that Stafford, the coaching staff and the nature of his role on the sidelines has helped him see the game differently. He’s paying closer attention to the finer details, and he has appreciated how McVay changes up his teaching techniques if he doesn’t understand on the first explanation.

And Garoppolo now has the opportunity to put those improvements on tape for the rest of the NFL to see heading into another free agency.

“Any time you get on the grass in live action, that’s your resume,” Garoppolo said. “So that’s how I’ve always approached it. It’ll be no different this week.”

And that steady approach is what the Rams have seen from Garoppolo week in and week out.

“What I’ve seen is just a guy that’s approached it like a pro,” McVay said. “I’ve just seen a guy that has been so consistent. He’s got a great way about himself. He’s used all the practice reps that he’s accumulated to get better. He’s really been a big part of the growth that you’ve seen from our defense over the course of the year.”

In addition to backing up Stafford, Garoppolo has served as the scout team quarterback, a role he hasn’t filled since his days with the Patriots at the beginning of his career. He has found enjoyment in it, getting to look at the game through the opposing quarterback’s lens, and picking up little tricks.

But he’s also provided real, stressful snaps for the Rams’ defense in practices.

“Depending on what quarterback we’re playing that week, he’s able to mold to them athletically,” defensive tackle Kobie Turner said. “If we’re playing Kyler Murray and he’s scrambling all around or Aaron Rodgers and he’s picking and choosing his scrambles but he’s still looking downfield. There’s definitely a couple of practices where you’re like, ‘We’re getting cooked, we’re getting cooked.’”

Injury report

Right tackle Rob Havenstein (shoulder) would not have practiced on Wednesday if the Rams had held a full workout, while receiver Jordan Whittington would have been limited.

While Havenstein will not play against the Seahawks, McVay is optimistic for his status in the wild-card round of the playoffs.

“Everything is tilting towards he’ll be ready to go for that playoff game,” McVay said.

By virtue of making the playoffs, the Rams can bring an extra player back from injured reserve. The Rams had been waiting to see if they should use their final regular season slot on veteran safety John Johnson III or veteran linebacker Troy Reeder, depending on whether there was an injury at either of their respective positions.

While the Rams will now have the ability to bring both back, McVay said he will wait until Monday after the Seahawks game to decide on how to handle the situation.

“You might have those spots, but then you also have to free it up by releasing somebody,” McVay said. “Hopefully that doesn’t naturally sort itself out based on any injuries that occur.”