Which witch put the hex on the LA Rams offensive line this year?

Offensive linemen on the practice squad

Let’s begin this analysis by focusing on the LA Rams practice squad. These are players who are not under contract beyond the 2022 NFL season, but who will likely be signed to a Reserve Futures contract when this season is over for the Rams.

Jeremiah Kolone, Interior Offensive Lineman, practice squad
The LA Rams never expected to be in a position to need interior offensive lineman Jeremiah Kolone on the team’s 53-man active roster, let alone starting games this season. But thanks to the chaos and countless casualties, he has done both before the mid-point of the 2022 NFL season. While he gave his best effort, the defenses of the San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, and Carolina Panthers wasted little time stunting and blitzing specifically to attack and confuse Kolone’s ability to call blocking.

In 188 offensive snaps, Pro Football Focus has not recorded any allowed quarterback sacks or penalties to Kolone, but my eyes watching the 49ers game alone would argue otherwise. While many form definitive conclusions too quickly, I expect that Kolone’s experience in 2022 could be very beneficial to his NFL career in 2023 and beyond.

A.J. Arcuri, Offensive Tackle, practice squad
Rookie offensive tackle A.J. Arcuri was the second offensive lineman selected by the LA Rams in the 2022 NFL Draft, but he has been exclusively assigned to the team’s practice squad all season, despite the obvious need to reinforce the team’s active roster. While he may not be getting opportunities this season, the LA Rams clearly view Arcuri as a player to develop for the future.

Max Pircher, Offensive Lineman, IPP, practice squad
The LA Rams have been working with International Pathway Program offensive lineman Max Pircher for two seasons. I don’t mean to sound overly optimistic, but Pircher is perhaps the best offensive lineman option who did not start in 2022. At the very least, he is just as capable as Alaric Jackson and Tremayne Anchrum Jr., both of whom saw action this season.

The Rams did not tap Pircher for playing time this season because once the team does so, that extra IPP roster spot is erased. Pircher had plenty of time to work with Andrew Whitworth, and his preseason work was phenomenal. I would not be the least bit surprised to see Pircher earn a spot on the LA Rams’ 53-man active roster next year.