Bleacher Report cites uncertain future of this player as NFC West's top story

When Pro Football Focus cited veteran LT Alaric Jackson as the Make Or Break Player in 2025, it was not only acknowledging the importance of his value to the team, but also the challenges and uncertainty that he faces with a second breakout of the medical condition that shut him down for the second half of the 2022 NFL season.

The Los Angeles Rams are saying all the right things right now. The front office has done all the right things as well. The team wasted no time in signing veteran left tackle DJ Humphries, even before news broke of Alaric Jackson's second bout of a recurring blood clot affliction. But this is more than a simple hiccup. The Rams entered the 2025 NFL season knowing that veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford needs solid pass protection.

With the team's offensive linemen rearranging the starting lineup in 2024, he didn't get it. Even as the team allowed just 31 quarterback sacks last season, good enough for sixth-best, the constant shuffling of offensive linemen did not afford Stafford enough protection. The Rams' starting quarterback only threw 20 touchdown passes, tying his career worst for 16 games. His 3,762 yards were a career low for 16 games.

Sigh.

The Rams need to do better in 2025. But to do better, they need a healthy Alaric Jackson, the keystone to protecting Stafford's blind side.

Update on Alaric Jackson status

Because the news about Alaric Jackson happened just days before Rams Maui minicamp, he was a quick topic posed to HC Sean McVay in the post-practice press conference. If you want to follow the dialogue, just check out the embedded video below, and click at the 2:40 time hack.

When asked to update the media with Alaric Jackson's status, Rams HC Sean McVay emphasized that Alaric Jackson was able to recognize and report lower leg discomfort, which could be a positive indication for early intervention this time around. As for the Rams, they are taking things one day at a time. There are many weeks before the season starts, and the hope among fans is that Jackson will be medically cleared before the start of the season.

But the signing of Humphries reveals that the Rams do not share that hope.

Coach McVay shared that he expects to have a more comprehensive and meaningful update to share about Alaric Jackson at the start of Rams training camp on July 22. In the meantime, the addition of Humphries to the roster eliminates all questions as to who will start for the Rams if Jackson is unable to get medical clearance in time to suit up. If Jackson is cleared too close to the season, he may still sit out while he ramps up to game-day fitness.

Jackson had a respectable 2024 NFL season, and his Pro Football Focus grade reflects that. Meanwhile, the uncertainty of Jackson's return for the Rams' offensive line made the top news story for Bleacher Report's Biggest Rumors Hanging Over Each NFL Division.

The Rams have taken proactive steps to not be painted into a corner if Jackson is unable to suit up in Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season. But if this team is to have any hope for a postseason berth, the team needs Alaric Jackson at left tackle. With early detection and aggressive intervention, Alaric Jackson will return healthy and ready to go.

As always, thank you so much for reading.

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