The Los Angeles Rams are preparing for the 2024 season by engaging in training camp, just as the other 31 teams in the NFL are. However, the Rams’ training camp has gotten off to a rough start. Three starting offensive linemen have been hurt.
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The Rams announced that starting left guard Jonah Johnson suffered a shoulder injury, and would be considered day-to-day going forward. Joining him on the IR is starting left tackle Alaric Jackson, who suffered an ankle injury, and starting right tackle Rob Havenstein is also down with an ankle injury.
After losing starting left guard Jonah Jackson this week to a shoulder injury, the Rams now have two other OL who will miss time and are considered “week-to-week”: starting left tackle Alaric Jackson is dealing with an ankle injury, as is starting right tackle Rob Havenstein. pic.twitter.com/G2l8GH7GH2
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 3, 2024
Adam Schefter of ESN shared the news of the Rams’ bad luck on his X account, and longtime Rams beat writer Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic also shared more details on the statues of the injured offensive linemen.
Sean McVay also downgraded Alaric Jackson (ankle) from “day to day” to “week to week”
Rams starting LT, LG and RT all “week to week” right now. https://t.co/B2z0QzLEJi
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) August 3, 2024
According to Rodrigue, Alaric, Jonah, and Havenstein are all considered to be “week-to-week” right now. Training camp has only just begun, and losing three starters on the offensive line is sure to derail the plans head coach Sean McVay had to get his team started off on the right foot.
The bigger issue relating to these injuries is what the team will do if their injuries keep these players out for some of the regular season. The offensive line will need to be in top shape to protect quarterback Matthew Stafford.
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Stafford just agreed to a one-year restructured deal to remain with the Rams, but his future with the team could be in jeopardy should he suffer another injury.
Stafford has dealt with several ailments in the past two seasons, which began in 2022 when he received offseason elbow surgery. He would also suffer a concussion in Week 9, resulting in his having to miss two games.
The injuries would not stop for Stafford, who sprained his UCL in Week 8 and would be sidelined until Week 11. Stafford is now 36 and though he is as resilient as they come, his age could be a huge factor regarding his recent string of injuries.
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The offensive line for the Rams will need to hold strong to keep him off the turf, but that will be increasingly difficult with the team facing a reality where they are down three starting offensive linemen.
The good news is these injuries are not season-ending, but a week-to-week status does not inspire the utmost confidence in their availability short-term. The Rams might need to start exploring the free agency market for some veteran backups to ensure the line has a chance at helping the offense come away with a win to start the season.