Why fans needn't worry about early injuries to OL in Rams Training Camp

It's only the second week of the 2024 LA Rams Training camp, but the starting five offensive linemen are already down to two healthy players: Ironman center Steve Avila, and veteran right guard Kevin Dotson. So far, no injuries have placed the 2024 regular season in perild, yet. But the frequency of bumps, bruises, cuts and scrapes has certainly raised the concerns of Rams fans already. And that is not how this fanbase wanted to start training camp this season.

Two weeks of training camp. Three offensive linemen injured. Sheesh.

I get it. The Rams have had some horrific luck in the past when it came to the health and durability of offensive linemen. In 2019, it was a string of injuries that derailed the team's plans to return to the Super Bowl. IN 2022, it was even worse, forcing the team to sign veterans off the street to suit up and play for the team as starters.

In 2019, the team went 9-7. In 2022, the team went 5-12. And the belief this year was that if the team invested into the offensive line, and had a stalwart season of top-tier blocking, that this year would be special. As in Super Bowl appearance special.

The offensive line is, for lack of a more eloquent description, the backbone of this team, and the foundation of success. With a strong offensive line, the offense has the option to either pass or run with the football. That balance keeps defenses honest and on their heels. But it also allows the team to control the game clock. More time with the football in the hands of the offense is a very good thing.

And less time defending the football is another positive characteristic of a strong offensive line. If he defense is on the field less than half of the game, they will be fresher and more rested. And that all helps to stack the odds in the Rams' favor.

But 2024 appears to be starting out with more injuries than many would like. Is this a harbinger of things to come? Or is this simply a one-off anomaly, and something that won't be a factor as the regular season gets underway?