The Los Angeles Rams offensive line is in much better shape heading into the 2023 season as they’ve got several key players coming back from injury.
The most notable returners are Joseph Noteboom and Alaric Jackson, who will be competing for the starting left tackle spot. The center position is also a question mark as Coleman Shelton and Brian Allen are both capable of handling the job. Aside from the young veterans, the Rams will also be leaning on Steve Avila, who has been getting reps at both guard spots during training camp but will likely play left guard.
However, an underrated addition is Logan Bruss, who is finally healthy after tearing both his ACL and MCL in a preseason game last year. Bruss, whom the Rams took in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, was expected to contribute right away but now is taking on a different role as he’s been moved to right tackle.
Sean McVay discussed moving Bruss to tackle but also left open the possibility that he could go back to guard.
“He had played 17% of his snaps at guard at Wisconsin, but 83% of them at tackle and he looks more comfortable out there. I think that’s probably where he’ll stay for now. He can always potentially bump inside, but you could see – I think it was important for him by necessity, but also coming off the injury. I think it was important to be able to stack some good days and he’s got a good look in his eye. I think he’s really comfortable outside at that tackle position. Does that mean he’ll never play guard again? We might be forced into adjusting that, but I think right now being able to keep him at tackle and continue to figure out what’s going to be that best combination.”
Having versatile lineman who can play multiple positions is always a good thing, and it sounds like Bruss has transitioned back to his original collegiate spot well. Having him as a backup to Rob Havenstein is a boon for Los Angeles as the veteran has dealt with his share of injuries over the years.
While Bruss will likely have to settle for a backup role to begin the new year, he could be called upon to fill in if the Rams endure more bad injury luck. Hopefully that’s not the case, but at least if they’re better prepared for it this time around.
