LA Rams starting RT playing in Week 1 to face the Lions is still on the table

The LA Rams have struggled throughout training camp and preseason to get the offensive line healthy and suited up for Week 1. And the struggle continues. We know that the team will not benefit from the play of starting left tackle Alaric Jackson until Week 3 (at the earliest). And we know that the team has already played with the option of starting former LG Jonah Jackson at center while sliding former left guard turned center Steve Avila back to his left guard position.

It's a shell game that at least one Rams Insider says that he is 'very concerned,' about.

But hang on, help is on the way. If you've stuck a fork in the LA Rams chances, you may wish to rekindle some flames of hope. Starting right tackle Rob Havenstein, a third starting offensive lineman, who has battled pre-season injuries, has donned the pads and begun participating in individual drills.

And just in the nick of time:

Is this all too much too little too late to have a chance of playing in Week 1? Not quite yet. It is progress towards starting against the Detroit Lions, and there is time enough to still have him preparted with his teammates to compete in Week 1. The team will be set either way, as HC Sean McVay has indicated that the team has contingency plans for either scenario of whether or not Havenstein can go against the Lions.

While fans must prepare for anything, the return of Rob Havenstein for Week 1 cannot be overstated to the chances of this team for a win. The Rams have confidence in backup swing tackle Joe Noteboom to hold up for a game or two. But the same level of confidence is not yet 'there,' for swing-tackle Warren McClendon just yet.

With this season opener so very important, and yet putting QB Matthew Stafford at risk of a sub-optimal performance from the offensive line, I believe that part of the game planning against the Detroit Lions in Week 1 could include a heavier use of the 12-personnel package offense than seen in 2023.

The Rams will know and likely share more on Wednesday.

The LA Rams are not getting much respect for this game, despite losing by one point in the 2024 NFL Playoffs and having a better team this year. The Rams will be ready for this one. I'm not convinced that the Detroit Lions will be prepared for what's coming.

Thanks for reading.