Rams backup offensive tackle is as good as gone entering August

The last thing the Los Angeles Rams roster needs right now is a shortage along the offensive line. That certainly led to the team struggling as the season opened one year ago. And one of the players who was promoted to a starting role out of necessity was offensive tackle A.J. Arcuri. Based on his limited workload in 2024, Pro Football Focus was unkind with its grade.

Arcuri was promoted to the left tackle in Week 1 when swing-tackle Joe Noteboom, who was filling in for suspended LT Alaric Jackson, was injured as well. His performance was suspect at the time. When the team started backups in Week 18, Arcuri did not see the football field whenever the offense was up.

One year later, AJ Arcuri is fighting for a roster spot and playing time. But things are a bit more complicated for him now.

Why AJ Arcuri is fighting an uphill battle

A year ago, the team carried rookie OT KT Leveston on IR all season. This year, the promising offensive tackle has a clean bill of health and is eager to earn a spot on the team. While the Rams did part ways with swing tackle Joe Noteboom, the team had signed FA left tackle DJ Humphries, FA right tackle David Quessenberry, and signed rookie OT Trey Wedig after the 2025 NFL Draft.

Sometimes, NFL players get one shot to make a lasting impression. Based on the team's offseason actions, the impression left by Arcuri in his lone opportunity last season left little room to hope for something better from him. How can we be so sure? The Rams did not add one offensive tackle in the offseason. This team carpet-bombed the position with three talented players.

That only happens when the team is planning to part ways with more players.

LA signed veteran offensive tackles Humphries and Quessenberry to ensure adequate coverage for starters Alaric Jackson and Rob Havenstein. The team is comfortable with Warren McClendon Jr. serving as the swing tackle. That leaves a developmental role for rookie Trey Wedig.

Arcuri will almost certainly stay with the team throughout preseason, filling an offensive tackle role while starters and rotational players remain benched. But it all seems like borrowed time. Unless Arcuri blows the coaches away with incredible preseason performances, he doesn't have much of a chance of sticking around in 2025.

The offensive line depth chart is simply too deep this year. As always, thanks for reading.

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