While much of the attention has been on Matthew Stafford’s back injury, Alaric Jackson has been working his way back from a health issue, too. Jackson was diagnosed with blood clots in his leg earlier this offseason, an ailment he previously dealt with in 2022.
The Rams didn’t put a timetable on his return and took it slow with their $57.75 million left tackle, giving him all the time he needs to get ready for the season. But with just over a week until the opener against the Houston Texans, Sean McVay shared a very encouraging update on Jackson’s health.
He told reporters Monday that Jackson is on track to participate in team drills for the first time next Monday. McVay added that “all things are pointing to him being ready to go,” indicating that he should be on the field in Week 1 against Houston.
“He’s good. He’s going to partake in next Monday’s practice. Wednesday and Thursday, and then he’ll just do the jog-through stuff on Friday,” McVay said. “We feel really good. I mean, he has put so much work in. I think he’s handled it like a total stud and I’m really happy for him that all things are pointing to him being ready to go and being able to manage this.”
The Rams signed D.J. Humphries shortly after Jackson received his diagnosis, adding the veteran left tackle just in case Jackson wasn’t going to be ready for Week 1. Humphries appeared to win the backup tackle spot in camp and is a lock to make the 53-man roster after sitting out the entire preseason, regardless of Jackson’s status.
The Rams also have Warren McClendon Jr. and David Quessenberry currently on the roster, and they also seem likely to make the team for Week 1. Depth isn’t an issue or concern, but the Rams sure will be glad to have Jackson on the field to start the year after worrying about his health for the last couple of months.
Follow Rams Wire on X, Facebook and Threads for more coverage!
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Sean McVay shares positive update on Alaric Jackson’s status for Week 1
Reporting by Cameron DaSilva, Rams Wire / Rams Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
