If there’s one narrative that the Rams took into the regular season, it’s that protecting Matthew Stafford is the number one priority, but that objective has taken an immediate hit going into Week 2 as three starting offensive linemen missed practice on Wednesday. Rob Havenstein (ankle), Kevin Dotson (ankle), and Steve Avila (ankle) were all held out of practice because of ankle injuries.
Sean McVay could not confirm if either guard would miss Sunday’s game against the Tennessee Titans and now we have to add the right tackle to the list of starting offensive linemen who are in danger of being held out.
The Rams also held out Colby Parkinson, the backup tight end has a shoulder injury, as well as Davante Adams so that he could rest. Another tight end, Davis Allen, was limited with a knee injury. This could be the week that Terrance Ferguson gets an increased role.
But tight end depth can’t hold a candle to the importance of Stafford’s offensive line.
It’s too soon to panic!
If there’s anything I’ve learned after 15 years of covering NFL teams, it’s that midweek injury reports can cause unnecessary panic. Yeah, maybe the Rams will be without one, two, or all three starting players. However, is it more likely that only one or perhaps even none of them miss the game? Yes, that is VERY likely. The odds of all three being held out are low, although we can’t rule it out.
The Rams seemed happier with their offensive line depth this year than past years, including veterans D.J. Humphries and David Quessenberry. The duo of backup tackles have 184 combined games of NFL experience.
Justin Dedich, Beaux Limmer, and Warren McClendon round out the backup offensive linemen on the 53-man roster, while practice squad options include AJ Arcuri, Dylan McMahon, and Wyatt Bowles.
