Injury concerns are mounting for the Los Angeles Rams as they head into the regular season. Head coach Sean McVay announced that starting right tackle Rob Havenstein will be week-to-week with an ankle injury. This comes as a blow to the team, as Havenstein is now the third starter on the offensive line to be sidelined due to injury.
Left tackle Alaric Jackson, who was previously listed as “day to day” with an ankle injury, has now been downgraded to “week to week.” Additionally, left guard Jonah Jackson is also week to week with a shoulder injury. The absence of these key starters raises concerns about the stability and effectiveness of the Rams’ offensive line.
However, McVay clarified that he does not expect Havenstein’s injury to be season-ending, offering a glimmer of hope for the team. While there is no definitive timeline for their return, sources within the team remain optimistic that none of these starters will miss significant time in the regular season, though they could potentially miss some games.
In the meantime, the Rams are looking to their “sixth man” offensive lineman Joe Noteboom to step up and fill the void. Noteboom has experience playing left tackle and has been taking reps in Alaric Jackson’s absence. The team is also rotating multiple players at left guard and right tackle to find the best combination.
One player who could potentially fill the right tackle spot is Warren McClendon, who will be given the opportunity to showcase his skills during joint practice against the Chargers. The Rams are hoping that these challenges will force the young players to mature quickly and accelerate their learning process.
It’s worth noting that the Rams made significant investments in their offensive line during the offseason. They placed a one-year tender on Alaric Jackson, signed guards Jonah Jackson and Kevin Dotson to three-year deals, and moved Steve Avila from left guard to center. Avila has been building chemistry with quarterback Matthew Stafford in his new role and has not moved back to guard despite the recent string of injuries.
However, McVay hinted that a change may be on the horizon. With the possibility of Kevin Dotson or Jonah Jackson being out for an extended period, the coaching staff may consider moving Avila back to guard if it gives them a better opportunity to field their strongest lineup. McVay acknowledged that there are nuances to playing both center and left guard and that they will make the necessary adjustments to ensure the best five players are on the field.
In conclusion, the Los Angeles Rams are facing a challenging situation with multiple starters on the offensive line dealing with injuries. While the team remains optimistic about their return, the absence of key players raises concerns about the stability and effectiveness of the line. The Rams will rely on their depth and the versatility of players like Joe Noteboom and Steve Avila to fill the gaps. The coaching staff will need to be flexible and make strategic decisions to ensure they field the strongest lineup possible.