Why 9 winners and 4 losers from Rams victory could start 2nd winning streak

(1) - OT Joe Noteboom

Once projected to assume the starting role for the team at left tackle, Joe Noteboom has shrunk in both production and value to the team. He is an NFL player who simply has struggled with durability throughout his career. While the team has found a niche role for Noteboom after turning to OT Alaric Jackson to start as the team's left tackle, the need to be ready to perform as teammates fall to injury remains.

While the frequency to suit up diminished, the importance of his availability to step in increased proportionately. And for a while, an equilibrium was establish that seemed to last through the 2023 NFL season.

But durability has reared its ugly head once more for Noteboom. He was injured in Week 1 as he was staring in place of suspended teammate Alaric Jackson, forcing the team to replace him with untested and inexperienced teammate A.J. Arcuri at left tackle. He would return to start for injured right tackle Rob Havenstein in Week 10. He would suffer another injury after the game, and be unavailable for Week 11.

In both outings, Noteboom was ineffective. In just 97 offensive snaps this season, he has allowed two quarterback sacks. His contract expires at the end of the 2024 NFL season. But the likelihood of his return is fading fast. The team has successfully developed offensive tackle Warren McClendon into a player who could slide in at either offensive tackle position. Perhaps more importantly, Noteboom's injury history makes him a high-risk low-reward player.