Rams finally tap UFL with the latest Rams free agency trio of offensive linemen

Rams load up with former Cowboy before hosting 'Boys in Game 1

It is beyond my ability to imagine what it must be like for former Dallas Cowboys interior offensive lineman Alec Lindstrom to continue to pursue his dream of playing football after suffering two back injuries. But respect and admiration certainly come to mind. If yo do not recall, Alec Lindstrom was a promising center out of Boston College who signed with the Dallas Cowboys after the 2022 NFL Draft.

He had an outstanding training camp, and even played in preseason games for the Cowboys. But he was fighting for a limited number of roster spots, was cut from the Cowboys 53-man roster, and signed to their practice squad. He was activated for Week 2 in 2022, but did not see any action. He suffered a back injury in November 2022, and was placed on the team's practice squad injured reserve.

He returned to the Cowboys in 2023 on a Reserve Future contract, but aggravated his back injury in preseason and was released. That second false start to his NFL career sent him to seek the expertise from doctors at Brigham & Women’s and New England Baptist hospitals in Boston. There, a plan to rehabilitate his injured back was developed. After getting medically cleared to resume football-related training, Lindstrom resumed working out in the gym. He even added boxing to his workout regimen, training at EverybodyFights, a boxing gym in Boston’s Seaport.

"We used to do (boxing) as a ragtag thing, holding mitts for each other, then we got really into it. (As an offensive lineman), your hands are so important, your hand power and hand speed. It’s a great workout."

- Alec Lindstrom

In January 2024, Alec Lindstrom signed a contract to play for the UFL Memphis Showboats. While the Showboats finished with a record of 2-8, Lindstrom's season was a huge success. He proved to have restored his body (and back) to a point where he can not only hold up to the taxing play of an offensive lineman, but proved to have the right mindset to flourish in the face of adversity.

If Lindstrom is truly 'back' (pun intended), then he could pick up where he left off with the Cowboys, which was one of the more impressive young offensive linemen. For now, the Rams have added three players who have the right resumes to pick up their roles quickly and can become contributors. But there is always that chance that someone plays far better than expected.

Stay tuned. And, thanks for reading.