The Los Angeles Rams offense is potent on paper, though there are question marks heading into the 2025 season.
The most pivotal situation to monitor is Matthew Stafford, who recently returned to practice but hasn’t been officially confirmed to be starting Week 1.
Meanwhile, Stafford’s blindside was up in the air as starting left tackle Alaric Jackson has been recovering from a case of blood clots.
Alaric’s status for Week 1 was in doubt, but head coach Sean McVay noted he’s on track to play as he was cleared for full practice next week, via Stu Jackson of TheRams.com:
Rams head coach Sean McVay on Monday said offensive lineman Alaric Jackson (blood clots in lower leg) is expected to practice fully for the first time next Monday.
McVay also acknowledged the Rams have a plan in place to manage Jackson and ensure he recovers completely:
“He’s good,” McVay said. “He’s going to partake in next Monday’s practice, Wednesday and Thursday, and then he’ll just do the jog through stuff on Friday. So it’s really cool.”
McVay said there’s been “a lot of work behind the scenes of being educated on” how to manage the condition and the required medication.
“I think we’ve got a good plan in place,” McVay said. “That is something, you know, whether you talk about Matthew’s back or the thing with Alaric, that I certainly have never dealt with before. So I think that demands flexibility, but we feel really good. I mean, he has put so much work in. I think he’s handled it like a total stud, and I’m really happy for him that all things are pointing to him being ready to go and being able to manage this.”
Jackson has been one of the most underrated tackles in the league since being named a starter, so his potential availability for Week 1 against the Texans is a massive boost. Houston boasts a fearsome defense and pass rush, so having Jackson back to protect Stafford could be the difference in an early season matchup against another projected playoff team.
Hopefully there are no setbacks for Jackson, who has done well to get himself to this point so soon after dealing with a dangerous ailment.
Rams’ Matthew Stafford on track to play Week 1 against Texans
There has been a buzz in Rams practice since Matthew Stafford came back. Stafford has looked more and more like himself and Sean Mcvay said he’s on track to be ready for Week 1.
