Durability issues resurface for the LA Rams OL. But . . . it could be much much worse

Durability was a huge factor in the LA Rams' deeply disappointing 2022 NFL season. The problem was aggravated by the fact that the team ignored the warning signs and started off-injured Joe Noteboom at left tackle and off-injured Brian Allen at center. Out of 34 possible starts between the two players, the Rams got just 13 games out of the two starters. That's a terrible track record and one that the Rams had to avoid this season.

The Rams seemingly did not learn the lesson, at least where the role for Joe Noteboom is concerned. You see, the LA Rams reformed the starting offensive line as follows:

1. LT - Alaric Jackson (started four of five games)
2. LG - Steve Avila (started five of five games)
3. C- Coleman Shelton (started five of five games)
4. RG - Joe Noteboom (started four of five games, 3 as right guard, 1 as left tackle)
5. RG - Kevin Dotson (started two of five games)
6. RT - Rob Havenstein (started five of five games)

While the LA Rams have experienced injuries to four of their five starting offensive linemen already, injuries to Coleman Shelton and Rob Havenstein were minor injuries that were handled by sidelining each player for only a handful of plays.

Rams weathered an injury storm

Alaric Jackson was injured after 20 offensive snaps in Week 3 against the Cincinnati Bengals and was only cleared to return in Week 5. For Noteboom, he was injured in Week 2 against the San Francisco 49ers. injured again in Week 3, started at left tackle in Week 4, and was ruled out for Week 5.

The problem with the LA Rams current depth chart is that, much like 2022, the Rams have not thought things through. Neither Joe Noteboom nor Brian Allen has proven to be durable offensive linemen, and the Rams elevated both to starting roles last season with disastrous results. The Rams did not learn their lesson, and started Noteboom at right guard, while considering as the primary backup for left tackle.

That is a formula for disaster. With both Brian Allen and Joe Noteboom are competent backups, their injury history is such that they cannot be given starting roles. Interrupting the starting offensive line not only places the Rams offense into the hands of a backup at that position, but it wreaks havoc across the entire offensive line, as all five players must now relearn how to communicate and coordinate blocking assignments.

Jackson good to go for Week 5

The first critical test of the 2023 NFL season occurred in Week 5 when the Rams were struggling to get a healthy left tackle online in time to face the Philadelphia Eagles. While that was not what prevented securing the victory, the Rams offensive line was good enough to keep veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford upright for one more week.

Thankfully Alaric Jackson did return in time to start. And the Rams offensive line was further reinforced by starting Kevin Dotson at right guard. Big changes in success always begin with the little changes that lead up to victories.

At this point in the season a year ago, the Rams front office was scrambling to sign veteran offensive linemen. This season, the Rams have managed to handle injuries with the depth of their active 53-man roster, and have yet to tap the offensive linemen currently being carried on the practice squad.

Yes, the Rams offensive line is experiencing durability issues once more. But, this could be much much worse. The depth of the Rams offensive line is holding so far, and the team could evrally around the offensive line to string together a few victories.