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

Why this early injury epidemic could be a good thing?

While the entire offensive line needs to resynch up for the 2024 NFL season, the two most critical players to get practice time in training camp is center Steve Avila and left guard Jonah Jackson. While Jackson is injured, Avila continues to suit up and learn his new role for the new season. And with each new day, he gets that much more experience under his belt.

But another aspect that seldom gets discussed is the fact that this offensive line room is very deep. This roster boasts 16 offensive linemen, as much as any previous season since hiring HC Sean McVay. While that is a good thing on paper, it does mean a lot of players are vying for limited reps. And limited reps means that coaches who are trying to select the best of the bunchy have a limited database on which to base those vital decisions.

The absence of three starters in training camp means that those reps will be diverted to three backup offensive linment. And their reps, it turn, will be dispatched to three reserve offensive linemen. In short, the reps are not 'lost' per se. Rather, they are given to less experienced offensive linemen to benefit from. And those reps speed up the development of every player on the depth chart.

More experienced backup offensive linemen may not sound ideal until the season starts and the depth of the roster is tested by mid-season injuries. Then, when the team needs to rely upon the 'next man up' principle, the guys who must step up have the right make up and familiarity to do exactly that. Right now, the team is investing in those players who will be counted on to step up this season.