Is LA Rams latest roster move mere precaution, or premonition?

There has been an unprecedented amount of focus on the LA Rams starting offensive line. Of course, that coincides with an unprecedented number of injuries involving the group. If you need a quick refresher, the team invested heavily into the offensive line, with the objective to not only become more consistent and physical up front, but to ensure that the group was as deep and talented as possible.

Just in the nick of time too, it seems. As three projected starters have been fighting injuries throughout training camp and the preseason. They include interior offensive lineman Jonah Jackson (shoulder), offensive tackle Alaric Jackson (ankle), and offensive tackle Rob Havenstein (ankle). So far, the team has managed to rehab Jonah Jackson back to health. But more on that in a moment.

While rehabbing his injured ankle, the Rams learned that Alaric Jackson would be suspended the first two games of the season. So, swing tackle Joe Noteboom automatically found himself the default starting left tackle for at least the first two gams of the season.

Now back to the team's decision with Jonah Jackson. Originally slated to start at left guard, Jackson was moved to center to allow the more robust Steve Avila to start at left guard, his original position from last season. In doing so, the team hopes to maximize the strength of their lone starting offensive linemen by distributing them to either side of the still healing Jonah Jackson. And with Avila at left guard, he has plenty of experience at working alongside Noteboom at left tackle.

In 2023, Noteboom and Avila played side-by-side in Weeks 4 and 17. So there are good reasons to have them both line up on the left side for the first two games in 2024. They certainly have familiarity playing alongside one another.