Alaric

Jackson

Jackson was diagnosed with blood clots in June, but has been trending toward being ready for Week 1. The fact that he was able to suit up for a Monday practice suggests he’s still trending in the right direction, and the team said the plan will be to start him in Week 1 against the Texans if all goes well this week. Jackson earned a PFF pass blocking grade of 79.5 last season, allowing just three sacks and 22 pressures on 502 dropbacks. If he is unable to start, D.J. Humphries looks like the most likely candidate to step up in Jackson’s absence.

Jackson has been a massive question mark for the Rams this offseason after developing blood clots in June but avoided the PUP and NFI lists last month. The most recent update indicates he could be ready for the start of the regular season, which would be a significant boost to the protection of reeling veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford. Stafford has been dealing with back issues all offseason with the team recently stating the intent is to “keep him upright” in Week 1 against the Texans. Jackson could go a long way in accomplishing that goal. It’ll still be a “wait and see” approach with Jackson but he currently appears to be trending in the right direction.

Due to Stafford’s lengthy injury history, the Rams had already “planned to put Stafford on a modified workout plan in training camp before the back issue popped up.” On the plus side, it sounds as if the Rams were prepared to occasionally run the offense sans Stafford in training camp. Stafford is also reportedly on schedule, following a plan that had been previously agreed upon by the Rams, Stafford and spine specialist Dr. Robert Watkins. Rodrigue does, however, note that the Rams’ starting left tackle Alaric Jackson (blood clots) and right guard Kevin Dotson (chest contusion) remain sidelined. Both Jackson’s and Dotson’s statuses are worth following. If Stafford’s Saturday workout goes well, he should resume practicing on Monday next week. Stay tuned.

“For now, Jackson will do individual drills with the athletic training staff and participate in jog-throughs, but not the physical OL activities,” per Rams.com’s Stu Jackson. While it’s a good sign that they haven’t placed him on either of the lists, it sure sounds like Jackson’s status is unknown going forward at this point. Until we get a report that he’s on the practice field going full-bore, he probably should not be counted on to start this year.

Rapoport notes that “the belief is (Jackson) will play in 2025,” but this is clearly something that will sideline him for some time. This news adds further context to the team’s decision to sign D.J. Humphries to a one-year deal earlier in the week, as he’ll presumably serve as Jackson’s replacement in the weeks/months ahead. Jackson also dealt with blood clots in 2022 and was placed on season-ending injured reserve as a result. Jackson signed a three-year, $57 million contract extension this offseason after turning in a strong 2024 season. We’ll likely know more about his injury before training camp, but an extended absence does not appear out of the question at this time.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported a deal was in the works less than an hour ago and now the ink is dry. Jackson was set to be a free agent in a few weeks, but the Rams weren’t going to let a young left tackle hit the open market. Per FOX NFL’s Jordan Schultz, the extension includes $35 million guaranteed. Jackson took over as LA’s starting left tackle two years ago and took another step forward last year, cracking Pro Football Focus’s top 20 graded tackles. He is now under contract through 2027.

Jackson entered the league as a UDFA for the Rams four years ago. He took over the starting left tackle job two years ago and was tendered as a restricted free agent last offseason. Jackson earned a top-20 grade at his position from Pro Football Focus in 2024 and has gotten better in every year of his career. As expected, the Rams don’t have any intentions of letting him see the open market. Expect a deal to be announced sooner rather than later.

Jackson evidently picked up a chest injury of unknown severity last week. Given the stakes, he will likely play through the pain but his Thursday and Friday practice participation are critical. Rams starting nose tackle Bobby Brown III (shoulder) was also sidelined on Wednesday.

Jackson did not practice all week but will play against the Saints. Rams declared QB Stetson Bennett, RB Cody Schrader, OLB Brennan Jackson, OL Dylan McMahon, and OL Warren McClendon Jr. inactive for Week 13 against the Saints. The Rams are getting healthier on the offensive line and have more healthy scratches than injury issues this week.

Havenstein’s return is a significant boost for the Rams’ offensive line, though starting LT Alaric Jackson (foot) is questionable, and reportedly expected to play, despite failing to practice all week. The Rams’ offensive line is rounding into form.