Vital help arrives for the LA Rams when and where they least expected it

The Los Angeles Rams have not had the benefit of veteran offensive tackle Rob Havenstein since they defeated the Seattle Seahawks by the score of 21-19 in Week 11. It was only the sixth game the venerable veteran played for the team in 2025. After the top-notch performance by backup offensive tackle Warren McClendon Jr, many expected Havenstein to be benched throughout the playoffs.

They thought wrong.

After struggling a bit in postseason competition, McClendon may revert to his swing-tackle role. LA has designated starting offensive tackle Rob Havenstein to return. And that means that the trio of players injured during that Seahawks game has all returned to health: Tight end Tyler Higbee, defensive back Quentin Lake, and not right tackle Rob Havenstein.

Four players on the Rams roster were injured by the Seahawks. The three just mentioned, and right guard Kevin Dotson, in Week 13. While injuries happen in physical sports, you can bet that everyone on the team understands the physical demands of this one and is preparing accordingly.

Rob Havenstein is the unexpected final piece needed to win

While many players contributed to the season, LA was 6-1 with Havenstein starting at right tackle. The team's only loss came against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 3, thanks to poor blocking on field goal units. He battled in the trenches when the Rams defeated the San Francisco 49ers by a score of 42-26.

Now he is back to face the Seahawks.

Havenstein did not benefit much from the team's use of 12 and 13-personnel formations. And his return may be the piede needed to revert to a more wide receiver-dominated offense. But he brings a comfort level back to quarterback Matthew Stafford after an unexpected battering at the hands of the Chicago Bears pass rush.

But there's more to it than that. He's in his contract year. It's time to make his stand.

Rob Havenstein played for the St. Louis Rams in 2015 as a rookie. He competed in Super Bowl LIII and LVI, and hopes to get the team to Super Bowl LX. That counts for something. The LA Rams are 8-5 in postseason competition with him at right tackle. And he started in both Super Bowls. This offensive line has no replacement for that level of leadership.

Yes, there is a risk to reverting to Havenstein in this all-important game. But after witnessing McClendon getting beaten to the inside, clearly, Rob Havenstein's moment to return is now.

He is unexpected. He is not someone fans would have named as a necessary contributor in the NFC Championship Game. But Rob Havenstein is coming back to the Horns at a pivotal moment. And the veteran knows that it's time to shine.

As always, thanks for reading.