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

What do Rams fans have to look forward to in 2024?

Let's pause, take a deep breath, and focus on the big picture right now. While the Rams may be getting dinged up in training camp so far, there are no major injuries yet. And the benefit of giving reps to depth players is undeniable. So far, that's all this has been. Just depth players on the Rams offensive line getting an above average workload.

But what happens when the season starts? What can Rams fans expect in 2024? Well, let's not get ahead of ourselves. The team faces some tough opponents. But this team has some solid improvements in the works as well. And let's not ignore the fact that the Rams allowed just 34 quarterback sacks in 2023, good enough to be the sixth ranked offensive line in that regard.

So this offensive line has the right to have some swagger.

Here is the way that Rams starting center Steve Avila describes his teammates:

So to recap, his descriptions are:

• LT Alaric Jackson - Controlled
• LG Jonah Jackson - Energy
• C Steve Avila - Awesome
• RG Kevin Dotson - Swaggy
• RT Rob Havenstein - Leader

And he is not wrong. As well as Kevin Dotson played in 2024, I am going out on a limb to predict that he has an All-Pro season in him for 2024. He is not only that good, but he has that quiet confidence of knowing it.

Beyond the Rams talented starting five, the team has the sixth-man in OL Joe Noteboom, who is essentially a plug-and-play at every position except center. The team also drafted two rookie offensive linemen to reinforce the roster in Beaux Limmer and K.T. Leveston. They join Zach Thomas and Warren McClendon, two backups who also saw action in 2023. And then there are more than a handful of other offensive linemen eager to earn a roster spot.

This team also boasts multiple tight ends, all of whom excel at blocking. In a pinch, this team has the option of flipping to 12 personnel packages. Even if an occasional two tight end set is used, it will be enough to keep this offense chugging along and moving the chains.

While injuries are not ideal, they are not signs that the sky is falling. In truth, with their occuring this early in training camp, they are creating opportunities to find successors for the future. And this group of starting five offensive linemen will suit up for Week 1.

When they do, grab your popcorn. It's going to be a great show.

As always, thanks for reading.