Turf Show Times
Alaric Jackson has been participating more in practice after being out with blood clots
The Los Angeles Rams look to be inching closer to getting a key piece of their offensive line back, as left tackle Alaric Jackson continues to take steps towards getting back on the field. Jackson has been sidelined most of this offseason with issues stemming from blood clots, a similar situation to the one that forced him to miss significant time back in 2022.
According to ESPN’s Sarah Barshop, Jackson was able to take part in team activities for the first time since camp started, being limited to only individual drills through the first few days.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the belief is that Jackson will play in 2025 but there are “still questions” as he works through this health scare for the second time in his career. Jackson starting to get on the field more is, at the minimum, an encouraging sign.
Jackson signed a three-year, $57 million extension in February after a solid first season as the full time starting left tackle. Head coach Sean McVay touched on how crucial the position will be for the team going forward.
“Left tackle is going to be a really important spot for us to be able to develop, with an optimistic and a hopeful approach that Alaric is going to continue to work and be ready whenever he gets cleared.”
Putting even more pressure on the left tackle questions is the lack of mobility of veteran QB Matthew Stafford, who has also not been participating in practice with back soreness. Considering that Jackson is responsible for watching Stafford’s backside makes it all the more pressing that LA is secure at the position.
Luckily, Sports Illustrated is reporting that the offensive depth for Los Angeles thus far has been playing well in practice, specifically noting that tackles D.J. Humphries and Warren McClendon Jr have found their rhythm.
That is good, considering that either could be the next man up in the event that Jackson is not ready for Week 1. Still, the team is hopeful they will have him back in time for the regular season and Jackson getting back into practice is the first step.
