It's only minicamp, but Rams face awful deja vu over Alaric Jackson's future

The Los Angeles Rams had just signed an extension with starting left tackle Alaric Jackson. So why have the Rams acted quickly to sign veteran offensive tackle DJ Humphries? At the time of his signing, I foreshadowed the expectation that Humphries was more than a veteran backup. I believed that the Rams' signing of long-time Arizona Cardinals starting left tackle DJ Humphries set the stage for fierce competition for the starting left tackle job.

Curiously, I was on the right track.

Per NFL Insider Ian Rapoport, starting left tackle Alaric Jackson has been diagnosed as suffering from blood clots. And in the face of that medical condition, the Rams acted quickly to ensure that the offensive line would be reinforced in time for their Maui mini camp.

Alaric Jackson was promoted to the starting left tackle role in Week 3 of the 2022 NFL season and held that starting role until Week 9. He was shut down in Week 10 and remained out for the rest of the 2022 NFL season due to blood clots. At the time, an incessant onslaught of injuries and medical conditions ravaged the Rams' entire roster, but were particularly impactful on the offensive line.

Jackson returned to suit up for the 2023 NFL season and had not been afflicted with blood clots, until now.

If the medical treatment for his condition this year is similar to the treatment he received in 2022, Jackson could return in time for the start of the season. Unfortunately, the team has been snakebit over recent experiences with offensive linemen. And that now explains the team's sudden signing of veteran starting left tackle D.J. Humphries.

With the addition of Humphries, the Rams have a solid veteran who can start at left tackle should the situation warrant it. And if you need to find a silver lining out of this horrific news, the Rams roster could be stronger than ever if Alaric Jackson returns in time to resume his starting role with the team at left tackle.

Hopefully, Alaric Jackson will return to full health quickly.

Meanwhile, the Rams acted quickly to fill in the unexpected need for more depth at the offensive tackle position. As a result, the depth at the offensive line could be better than ever.

As always, thanks for reading.

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