Rams flirt with this veteran's return but he must hope for this to happen

The Los Angeles Rams have scrapped and fought to advance to the NFC Championship Game. But getting here was certainly not a done deal until overtime in icy, cold Chicago. By defeating the Bears, LA has advanced to head coach Sean McVay's third NFC Championship game since being hired in 2017.

That's three championship games in nine years.

Ironically, few players remain on the roster from the Super Bowl LVI win. The irony comes from the pledge that players made in celebrating that victory. The "Run It Back" never made it to the following season, as free agent edge rusher Von Miller signed a massive payday to play for the Buffalo Bills in 2022.

Right tackle Rob Havenstein is still with the team. But for how much longer? He was only able to suit up for six games this season. Still, he was designated to return from Injured reserve this week, affording some fans a hope that he might play.

It seems unlikely after Sean McVay's recent comments.

LA Rams Rob Havenstein may start in Super Bowl LX, if . . .

Backup right tackle Warren McClendon Jr. has done an admirable job filling in for Rob Havenstein at right tackle. But McClendon was embarrassed multiple times against the Bears. Of course, that could be due to the sub-freezing temperatures at Soldier Field. But the team needed to take action.

Even if Havenstein does not suit up to face the Seattle Seahawks, his presence on the practice field is a huge moral victory for the offensive line as a whole. Havenstein is the emotional leader of the squad, and he has plenty of tips to share with his teammates.

It's unlikely that the team would have given serious consideration to reinstalling the former starter without plenty of practice. Not only does he play right tackle, but the entire offensive front is a web of coordination and communication that cannot be relearned in three practices.

Hopefully, the LA Rams win and advance to Super Bowl LX. Otherwise, Havenstein may have already played his last game in Horns. I'm certain that he would rather have one more chance to play for the team. But his contract ends at the end of 2025.

By playing just six games this season, he hasn't made much of a case to be re-signed.

As always, thanks for reading.