Rams fans finally get the injury news they’ve been begging for all offseason

The Los Angeles Rams’ offseason has been anything but boring. It’s been dramatic, it’s been exciting, and it’s kept fans guessing at every turn. While the team has shown steady progress over the past several years, some jarring realities have crept in along the way. Chief among them was starting left tackle Alaric Jackson, whose medical condition carried no definitive timeline for a healthy return.

At the same time, the Rams got hit with a double whammy at quarterback. Negotiations over Matthew Stafford’s 2025 contract became a saga of their own. When the two sides finally worked out a deal, Stafford reported to training camp with a back injury that sidelined him from football activities for nearly a month.

The good news? Stafford has returned to practice. But what about Jackson? The veteran left tackle was critical to the Rams’ success in 2024, and fans have been holding their breath about his status. Did their prayers get answered? Will Jackson suit up in Week 1 against the Houston Texans?

Hope stays alive for Alaric Jackson's miraculous return for Week 1

The Rams never stopped believing in Jackson’s return, even if the path to health wasn’t always clear. Throughout his recovery, he avoided contact but stayed active with the team, participating in individual workouts, walk-throughs, and jog-throughs.

While that was optimistic planning on the veteran’s part, it looks like it may have paid off in a big way. The latest reports on his status indicate he could return to practice for the first time on Monday, September 1, 2025. If that holds true, he’ll have a full week to get ready for the Texans.

The 27-year-old's return couldn’t come at a better time. While the Rams were proactive in signing DJ Humphries and David Quessenberry, the offense has consistently looked its best with Jackson on the field. His return should also stabilize the line’s continuity, with a starting five of Jackson, Steve Avila, Coleman Shelton, Kevin Dotson, and Rob Havenstein forming the team’s strongest configuration.

If the veteran is back, and all signs point that way, the Rams’ initial roster setup could look very different. With the starting tackle likely to be medically cleared for Week 1 and little concern about a setback, the team won’t have as much pressure to load up on offensive linemen. That flexibility could open spots for extra talent elsewhere, while still letting promising linemen slide back to the practice squad.

The projected starting lineup looks on track to be ready for Week 1. That’s music to Rams fans’ ears, who are hoping for a much faster start in 2025 than the last two seasons. Right now, that hope seems to glow a little brighter with each passing day. As always, thanks for reading.

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