Plenty of positives to share for the LA Rams offensive line heading into Week 1

OT Rob Havenstein closer to playing

The biggest concern to fans right now is the fact that both starting offensive tackles have been viewed as 'out' for Week 1 until this week. While the status of LT Alaric Jackson was settled with a two-game suspension that has forced the team to turn to swing tackle Joe Noteboom, there has been a flicker of hope that right tackle Rob Havenstein might beat the odds and suit up to face the Detroit Lions.

And this week, that flame has begun to burn a bit brighter.

This week, fans welcomed the news of Rob Havenstein upgrading from out to donning the shoulder pads and commencing individual drills. While not assured of starting in the season opener, this is certainly a huge step in the right direction and leaves the door open for him to play in Week 1.

Havenstein is more than the starting right tackle for the team. He is the senior statesman, the venerable veteran whose role is more than suiting up, putting one hand in the dirt, and blocking defenders. He is the spokesman of the group. He is the guy who signals to the bench when the running game is taking its toll on the defense, and to stick with the run. He is the guy who takes the temperature of the players, and acts as the liaison between players and coaches.

He lobbied hard for the team to extend right guard Kevin Dotson in the offseason.

I am not suggesting that second-year offensive tackle Warren McClendon cannot do well as a temporary starter in Week 1. But I do believe that the offense will have more confidence in a full playbook game plan with Havenstein in as the starting right tackle. After all, he is the starter for good reason.