The health of Matthew Stafford isn’t the only pressing issue facing the Los Angeles Rams ahead of the 2025 NFL season.
Starting left tackle Alaric Jackson has been out as well while dealing with blood clots, and his availability for the Week 1 remains unknown. However, head coach Sean McVay offered a promising update on the offensive lineman on Monday, saying that Jackson is “on track” with his rehab but is still restricted from full team activities.
“He’s doing great,” McVay said. “He’s on track and with him truly taking that thing a week at a time. He is in great shape right now. He’s able to be physically active. There are just some restrictions in regard to being able to participate in some of the full-time activities. I couldn’t be more impressed with how he’s handling this situation. What a great job he’s done taking care of himself. He’s added good muscle. He’s taken great care of himself and I think he’s in great physical and mental shape and we’ll look forward to getting him out on the field sooner than later.”
Jackson signed a three-year extension with the team this offseason but hasn’t practiced since June. He last dealt with blood clots in 2022 where he missed nine games.
If Jackson can’t go, the Rams’ backup plan is to start veteran D.J. Humphries, whom they signed this offseason. This isn’t the best-case scenario, but it’s certainly one the Rams feel comfortable enough with to go with if Jackson isn’t ready to suit up.