Rams fans can breathe sigh of relief after Justin Dedich injury update

The Los Angeles Rams will need Justin Dedich this season. While he might not make headlines often as a reserve offensive lineman, he is a critical depth piece behind interior starting guards Kevin Dotson and Steve Avila.

Thus, it was with no small dismay that Rams fans learned of Dedich's non-football hand injury from an incident in early July, which, until today, had kept him out of practice. The Athletic's Nate Atkins reports that Dedich is back in the mix as of Monday, August 24, noticeable hand wrap notwithstanding. The team announced that he had passed his physical as part of multiple roster moves made earlier in the day.

Given nagging concerns at tackle - we all know about Alaric Jackon, and now rookie Keagen Trost has a hamstring injury - it's a big relief to have Dedich healthy enough to suit up and play.

Justin Dedich return gives Rams offensive line a timely boost

A third-year undrafted free agent out of USC, Dedich started six games last season in 16 appearances, splitting time between both guard spots and even logging 12 snaps at center, per PFF. That was crucial as Dotson and Avila navigated injuries.

Especially effective in run blocking, Dedich ranked 20th among 81 qualified guards last year by PFF run-block grade, and a solid 41st overall (he needs some work in pass protection). Along with Beaux Limmer, who is also entering his third season, Dedich is a key backup on the interior.

That does not, of course, ease uncertainty at tackle. If Trost isn't healthy by Week 1, it sure looks like the Rams could end up running out a one-two punch of David Quessenberry and Blake Hance on the left side, with the former starting. Perhaps they would opt for 2022 seventh-rounder AJ Arcuri as a backup over Hance. Either way, that arrangement won't hold up for very long.

But getting Dedich back is still a substantial boost to the depth chart, assuming he is good to go by season's start. The interior is set, with center Dylan McMahon possibly the last name in on the 53-man roster. 

With Dedich's return, it's all about waiting to see what happens with Jackson, and when Trost can return himself to provide swing-tackle depth. In other words: one down, two to go.

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