Although it was an unprecedented offseason for the entire NFL, the restrictions placed in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic offered up its own set of challenges for Los Angeles Rams right tackle Rob Havenstein.
A knee injury limited Havenstein to a career-low nine games during the 2019 campaign. His rehabilitation was then interrupted by the ongoing pandemic that prevented players from training at the team’s practice facilities for the bulk of the offseason.
Fortunately, let tackle Andrew Whitworth made sure that Havenstein did not let up in his conditioning by hosting workouts in his garage/gym. It has helped pay huge dividends after establishing himself as one of the major bright spots in training camp.
Havenstein is admittedly relishing in being a full participant at practice, via Stu Jackson of the team’s official website:
“I think, me personally, got a lot of good work in,” Havenstein said during a video conference with local media this week. “I feel good. I put my best foot forward, but it is definitely good to be back out there.”
Havenstein credited Whitworth for pushing him along with the other offensive linemen:
“(It’s beneficial) anytime you get to really work with the guys that you’re going to be playing with, especially as an offensive line, to see and kind of push each other and to know like, ‘Hey, I know he’s put the work in and he knows I’ve put my work in,'” Havenstein said. “I’m not at home half-assing a workout, halfway between chips and the couch. I’m getting out there and putting my best foot forward, I’m getting after it. ‘Whit’ is pushing guys, I’m trying to push guys, they’re pushing me. It was a really good environment and the work had to get done. You wouldn’t want to do it with anyone else.”
While Havenstein may be coming off a disappointing year, his comments indicate that he is optimistic about where he is health-wise going into the 2020 NFL season. Meanwhile, the efforts from Whitworth are indicative of not only his role as the leader of this group but the passion he has maintained at this point in his career.
Despite opting to maintain their continuity up front, the offensive line remains one of the biggest questions heading into the season. Getting Havenstein back on track and the edges locked down alongside Whitworth could be the first step toward sparking a potential resurgence on offense.
The Rams will certainly have their work cut out in the season opener against a revamped Dallas Cowboys’ defensive line.
