LA Rams first half injuries in Week 1 are the worst case scenario for fans

As feared, the LA Rams offensive line is in a huge pickle right now. With two starting offensive tackles out for Week 1, the team had to promote backup offensive tackles Joe Noteboom and Warren McClendon to starting roles. That is bad enough, but we have long cited the injury-prone history of Noteboom in the past, and why that has come back to bite the Rams frequently when trying to count on him to finish games that he starts.

But the Rams offense had not choice. Starting LT Alaric Jackson is suspended for two games. And RT Rob Havenstein gave it the ole college try, but he was not healthy enough to suit up for Week 1. The team activated OT AJ Arcuri for this game, and he has already been drafted into this one. You see, Joe Noteboom was carted off the sideline after aggravating an ankle injury:

But he was not the only player injured in the offensive drive. WR Puka Nacua spent about 10 minutes in the medical tent as the team examined and retaped up his right knee. Furthermore, the teams trainers also checked out QB Matthew Stafford, who reportedly had his ankle taped by staff as well.

Even Matthew Stafford was shaken up on a hard hit that would have drawn a roughing the passer flag if he was any other quarterback in the league.

Both Stafford and Nacua did return to the field. But LT Joe Noteboom did not return in the first half.

And then, even MORE bad news:

As a result, rookie center Beaux Limmer is in the game, and Jonah Jackson has shifted back to left guard.

The Rams got the football with just under two minutes remaining, and thanks to a roughing the passer penalty on Detroit Lions DE Aidan Hutchinson set the team up for another Red Zone offense attempt. But on second down and goal to go at the eight yard line, and Matthew Stafford tossed an interception at the back of the end zone.

The Lions came out throwing with their last play of the first half, but Rams rookie OLB Jared Verse shut down that one by sacking Goff for an eight-yard loss to end the half.

But let's put this all into perspective. The Rams have sent reserve OT AJ Arcuri into the game in the first half. This team simply does not have any other offensive tackles to play should another injury occur.