The Rams’ offensive line, which cost the team tens of millions to overhaul, is currently dealing with a series of injuries as head coach Sean McVay gears up for Sunday’s joint practice with the Chargers.
On Thursday, McVay noted that left guard Jonah Jackson is expected to be “week to week” following a shoulder injury sustained on Tuesday. Left tackle Alaric Jackson continues to be sidelined with an ankle injury, and right tackle Rob Havenstein left practice on Thursday due to an unspecified foot injury.
The Rams’ season opener is not until September 8 against Detroit, providing the injured players some time to recover. However, since McVay typically rests starters during preseason games, the joint practices with other teams offer the best chance to assess the progress of the offense, defense, and special teams.
As the Rams, led by quarterback Matthew Stafford, prepare to practice with the Chargers—who have standout pass rushers like Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack—they might be without their three starting linemen.
In their absence, Joe Noteboom has been filling in at left tackle, and Zach Thomas has stepped in at left guard.
“We’ll be better once those guys return, whenever that may be,” McVay said of the starters. “In the meantime, we owe it to ourselves and the other players to invest in them.”
Following a playoff appearance last season, the Rams invested heavily in their offensive line, re-signing right guard Kevin Dotson to a three-year deal worth $32 million guaranteed and adding free-agent left guard Jonah Jackson for three years at $34 million guaranteed. This move allowed them to shift second-year player Steve Avila from left guard to center.
Restricted free agent Alaric Jackson received a second-round tender costing the Rams $4.9 million.
Jonah Jackson’s injury seems to be the most concerning. Last season with the Detroit Lions, Jackson missed four games due to wrist and ankle issues and was also sidelined for the NFC Championship game after a knee injury in the divisional round.
Jackson had not participated in most on-field drills during the offseason while recovering from knee surgery. Despite this, McVay mentioned that Jackson had his “best practice” before the shoulder injury occurred.
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