Rams backups have created surprisingly difficult decisions on offensive line

Entering the preseason, expectations for the Los Angeles Rams' offensive-line depth were rather nebulous at best. The starters were already set; all five returned from last season's crew. But the rotation behind them remained somewhat untested and certainly inexperienced.

Well-respected rookie right tackle Keagan Trost complicated those concerns with an early preseason injury (update: he'll likely miss a few weeks). Fans have every right to feel their hearts sink in their chests over that misfortune.

Still, by the time the smoke cleared against the Chiefs, the Horns had weathered the storm. In pass protection, the offensive line prevented any Kansas City defender from recording a sack.

And although the Rams' ground game fell short of the century mark, all three running backs churned out a run of over 10+ yards, on 4.4 yards per carry. That's a solid afternoon's work from the big boys up front.

Rams' roster decisions are more difficult after preseason Game 1

The Rams currently have 15 linemen on the roster. Paring down to the 53-man roster limit will shed anywhere from five to seven players. That could be challenging. No one stood out as unworthy of making the team in the preseason opener.

LA sat all starters, as well as veteran tackle David Quessenberry and injured interior lineman Justin Dedich. So who is left?

Second team: LT AJ Arcuri (#61), LG Wyatt Bowles (#60), C Dylan McMahon (#63), RG Beaux Limmer (#50), RT Keagan Trost (#79) (injured)

Third team: LT Bryce Henderson (#70), LG Bill Murray (#66), OL Austin Blaske (#64), RT Blake Hance (#72)

Notably, Murray just signed in late July. A day later, Hance signed as well. Nonetheless, a patchwork offensive line gelled fairly well in its first preseason game. That's better than impressive. That's a sign that investing in the o-line coaching group is already paying huge dividends.

But it also makes impending roster decisions impossible to call right now. As film is replayed over and over, nuances may appear. Perhaps a block or two was not textbook perfect. But no obvious weak link appeared in real time.

That's great news for now, assuming the front office makes the right decisions about to cut and who to keep. Losing offensive lineman Willie Lampkin last season still stings. There may be more where that came from in 2026. Mistakes happen.

Against the Chiefs, in any case, the line proved strong enough to give skill players time to shine. In an all-in year, that's what the Rams desperately need from whoever is available.

As always, thanks for reading.

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