Another Rams development could prove just as important as Matthew Stafford’s

The positive news for Los Angeles Rams fans came in waves on Monday. Supporters were thrilled to learn that starting quarterback Matthew Stafford was back on the practice field. Even as head coach Sean McVay stressed that this was only the first step toward getting his quarterback ready for Week 1, the update hit like a drenching rain on drought-riddled fields. Fans soaked it all in.

The team also got good news with rookie tight end Terrance Ferguson finally returning to practice. He had been sidelined for several weeks with a groin pull, and the staff took the cautious route by easing him back slowly and deliberately. Now he’s back on the field, though his first day came with a limited workload.

But this was a day full of encouraging updates, and that included news on OT Alaric Jackson, per Stu Jackson. For Rams fans, it was the trifecta of positivity:

Alaric Jackson continues to be a limited participant at practice

Unlike the injuries affecting Stafford and Ferguson, Alaric Jackson’s condition, blood clots, didn’t completely sideline him from activity. While contact was off-limits, he was still able to exercise, participate in walk-throughs, and take part in jog-throughs. That’s exactly what he has continued to do.

The latest update from McVay was even more encouraging:

"He's able to be physically active; there are just some restrictions in regard to being able to participate in some of the full-team activities. I couldn't be more impressed with how he's handling this situation. What a great job he's done taking care of himself. He's added good muscle. He's taken great care of himself, and I think he's in great physical and mental shape, and we'll look forward to getting him out on the field sooner than later."

Monday’s update was positive in two ways. First, it signaled optimism that the starting offensive tackle is on track to return sooner rather than later. Second, it noted that Jackson has used the time to get into even better shape. That’s encouraging news for fans still hoping to see him start the season opener against the Houston Texans at left tackle.

While injuries are still impacting players, today’s updates were overwhelmingly positive for three key contributors in 2025. And the timing couldn’t have come any later. The team has one final preseason game, followed by the grueling task of trimming the roster to 53 players and almost immediately forming the 16-man practice squad.

It will be an emotional roller coaster ride until the team lines up for the opening kickoff to the 2025 NFL regular season. But the team could not have gotten better news than what today brought. As always, thanks for reading.

More Los Angeles Rams news and analysis