Rams HC Sean McVay concedes both starting OTs could be out in Week 1

There has been a lot of conversation about the quality of the LA Rams offensive line, and for the most part, this could be one of the deepest groups that the team has had since hiring Sean McVay as the head coach in 2017. But as deep as the group may be, injuries to the same position can still adversely impact the chemistry and coordination of the group as a whole.

Unfortunately, that is the scenario that the Rams roster is currently facing. As of right now, both starting offensive tackles are dealing with injuries that could place their ability to suit up and compete in Week 1 on the road against the Detroit Lions on hold. Complicating matters further, OT Alaric Jackson now faces a two-game suspension to open the 2024 NFL season.

That suspension could come with a bit of a silver lining. Since there were no assurances that Alaric Jackson would he healthy enough to play in Week 1, this suspension takes him off the team roster temporarily for two weeks, while the he continues to heal. That will allow the team to go heavy on the roster to ensure adequate depth for the offensive line.

You see, it appears that both swing tackles Joe Noteboom and Warren McClendon are likely to start for the team in the Sunday Night Football season opener against the Detroit Lions in Detroit. The reason for that is that is appear less and less likely that Haventstein will be healthy enough to go for that game as well:

Starting a game on the road against an NFC team that will surely be in the NFL Playoffs mix without both starting offensive tackles is certainly a tremendous disadvantage to overcome for the game. But this team has advanced warning, time to prepare, and would be viewed as the underdog in the game regardless of whether the entire starting offensive line was intact or not.

With the knowledge that both starting OTs will be out for the game, the Rams also have the option to load up on 12-personnel package offensive plays that can turn their offensive into a far different and unexpected offense in Week 1.

Rams HC Sean McVay will have time to have the Rams ready for the season opener. Stay tuned.

And as always, thanks for reading.