Heading into this season the Los Angeles Rams made no bones about what they prioritized on offense. They spent a combined $26.2 million worth of cap space to bolster their offensive line — resigning right guard Kevin Dotson and adding left guard Jonah Jackson in free agency. They also used their first 2023 draft pick to add Steve Avila.
Rams OL Trending In The Right Direction To Play Vs. Dolphins
That plan was scuttled early on in the season when they lost two of those three top priorities. Jonah Jackson has been on injured reserve since after Week 2 and Avila has been on since after Week 1.
Now head coach Sean McVay is optimistic that both could return versus the Miami Dolphins on Monday Night Football. According to team reporters, he said there was a ‘good chance’ that they would play and both are ‘trending in the right direction’ to do so.
This comes after the team has gotten wide receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua back from injury. That difference was palpable with the offense putting up their best game by offensive yards since the season’s opening game against the Detroit Lions. They notched 386 yards against the Minnesota Vikings, just one yard fewer than they did against the Lions.
While the team gets these two offensive linemen back they could be without two others. It has already been ruled that right tackle Rob Havenstein will miss the game against the Dolphins, but Kevin Dotson is also listed as questionable.
The Rams have played 11 different offensive linemen this season. It is unclear if Warren McClendon or Joe Noteboom will play in Havenstein’s place.
The knock-on effect may also free up Kyren Williams, who leads the league in snaps in pass protection for a running back. It could also allow rookie Blake Corum to get more playing time.
