Matthew Stafford’s back injury has caused another major health concern for the Los Angeles Rams to go somewhat overlooked. Alaric Jackson is still recovering from blood clots in his leg, limiting him in practice since the start of camp.
Jackson is the Rams’ starting left tackle and just signed a $57.75 million contract this offseason, making him a big part of the offense. His status for Week 1 remains up in the air, much like Stafford’s, but Sean McVay had a positive update to share on Tuesday.
After practice, McVay told reporters that he’s hopeful Jackson will be available for the season opener against the Texans on Sept. 7. That gives him less than three weeks to get ready for Week 1, but he’s been able to participate in individual drills, which is encouraging.
“We have a good idea but again, I want to take it a day at a time with him and Matthew,” he said. These are situations that I know are probably frustrating for you guys. We’re hopeful but again, it could be any sort of setback. There’s no reason to think that. This is a situation that I haven’t navigated before, but he’s doing great. He’s handled it like a stud like I mentioned yesterday. I think his focus and concentration is being ready to go for Week 1 and that would be a great situation for us if that’s the case.”
In Jackson’s absence during team drills, D.J. Humphries has gotten the majority of the first-team reps. David Quessenberry and Warren McClendon Jr. have also gotten extra work with Jackson out, so the Rams have options in the event that Jackson isn’t ready.
But based on McVay’s latest update, it’s possible he’ll be the team’s starting left tackle when the season begins next month.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Sean McVay remains hopeful Rams LT Alaric Jackson will be ready for Week 1
Reporting by Cameron DaSilva, Rams Wire / Rams Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
