5 key points fans can learn from the Rams performance in preseason Game 2

(1) - Is LA Rams OL depth legit?

We know that the LA Rams have three starting offensive linemen who are fighting through injuries that have incapacitated them. They are LT Alaric Jackson (ankle), LG Jonah Jackson (shoulder) and RT Rob Havenstein (ankle/foot), and all are currently considered week-to-week. But in terms of preseason games, the Rams are not going to play C Steve Avila, RG Kevin Dotson, or swing tackle Joe Noteboom either.

So who saw action in the first preseason game? Well, would you believe that third-year IOL Logan Bruss led the Rams offensive line in an outstanding performance in Game 1 of the preseason?

• LT AJ Arcuri - 71 snaps, 66.2 overall grade (PFF)
• LG Zach Thomas - 46 snaps, 84.1 overall grade (PFF)
• LG Justin Dedich - 25 snaps, 73.0 overall grade (PFF)
• C Beaux Limmer - 44 snaps, 82.5 passing grade (PFF)
• C Mike McCalister - 27 snaps, 49.3 overall grade (PFF) | 3 penalties
• RG Logan Bruss - 71 snaps, 81.5 overall grade (PFF)
• RT Warren McClendon - 46 snaps, 68.8 overall grade (PFF)
• RT Blake Larson - 10 snaps, 63.5 overall grade (PFF)
• RT Conor McDermott - 15 snaps, 61.5 overall grade (PFF)

While that seems like a huge assortment of offensive linemen to see action in one game, the Rams did not play OT KT Leveston (ankle injury), IOL Grant Miller, OL Alec Lindstrom (recently signed FA), and OL Matt Kaskey (recently signed FA). So there are more offensive linemen than the team knows what to deal with right now.

So why so many?

After learning of injuries to Leveston, Jackson, Jackson, and Havenstein, the team signed a trio of offensive linemen to hold the team over through training camp and preseason until the starters are healthy enough to suit up and compete once more.

But there are plenty of warm bodies competing for offensive snaps right now. That could be relieved somewhat if the team pulls Zach Thomas and Logan Bruss out of the lineup for Game 2. But doing so means either that they have earned a roster spot (not sure that is true), or that both are at a disadvantage if they are released with the hopes of rejoining the team's practice squad.

But if the team does not act, how can they possibly squeeze Leveston (when healthy) Miller, Lindstrom, or Kaskey into the rotation?

I don't profess to be an NFL offensive line expert, but I have so say that with the Rams starting offensive line (when all are healthy) consisting of:

• LT Alaric Jackson
• LG Jonah Jackson
• C Steve Avila
• RG Kevin Dotson
• RT Rob Havenstein

And with a backup offensive line made up of:

• LT Warren McClendon
• LG Zach Thomas
• C Beaux Limmer
• RG Logan Bruss
• RT Joe Noteboom

This LA Rams roster legitimately has two layers of full offensive linemen who could start this year. Unfortunately, this surplus of talent is bound to translate into the team losing quality players to develop when roster cuts begin after Game 3. Rookie LG Justin Dedich, OT KT Leveston, AJ Arcuri, and Blake Larson all show promise. But there is simply not enough room at the inn to keep everyone.

We will learn how deep the offensive line is in Game 2. But to be honest, I fear what we may discover. It could be that this team has 12+ offensive linemen worthy of keeping on the roster. That will mean some painful and regrettable cuts after Game 3 are on the horizon. That is a date that I am not looking forward to.

I am looking forward to Game 2. And, after reading over this list of key trends and topics to watch for today, I hope you are too.

Thanks for reading.