The Los Angeles Rams defeated the Seattle Seahawks 26-20, thanks to a game-clinching passing touchdown pass from Matthew Stafford to Demarcus Robinson for 39 yards in overtime. With this victory over the Seahawks, the Rams jump to 4-4. They also rose to 2nd place in the NFC West division standings and climbed to 10th in the NFC Playoff Picture.
The Rams are slowly getting healthier as each game passes by. Injuries have negatively impacted the offensive line since two of their ideal starters remain on injured reserve. The good news is that the team could have their promising second-year player who’s missed all but one game back sooner rather than later.
The Los Angeles Rams second-round pick from 2023 hasn’t played since Week 1
Steve Avila suffered an apparent knee injury in the first half of their loss to the Detroit Lions in the season opener and did not return for the rest of the game. Tests determined that Avila suffered an MCL sprain that required surgery and initially looked like a 4-to-6-week recovery time. The Rams placed him on injured reserve ahead of Week 2, and he sat out for the last seven games.
Eight weeks have passed, and Avila remains on injured reserve. However, he could be inching closer to a return.
He could return to practice this week
According to head coach Sean McVay, via Stu Jackson of TheRams.com, the expectation is for Steve Avila and Jonah Jackson to return to practice this week and have their practice windows opened. Both players must practice with the team before being activated from injured reserve in a 21-day window. It’s too early to determine whether either player returns this week, but we will update you once we have more information.
Sean McVay said the Rams expect to start the 21-day practice windows for Steve Avila and Jonah Jackson this week
— Stu Jackson (@StuJRams) November 4, 2024
Who has started at LG since Week 2?
The Rams had to count on three players to fill in at left guard since Week 2. Jonah Jackson started in Week 2, but the team placed him on injured reserve after aggravating his shoulder injury ahead of Week 3. He has missed the last six games but, as mentioned, will have his practice window opened this week. Logan Bruss would start Weeks 3-5, but they benched him ahead of Week 7. Finally, Justin Dedich took over at left guard and got the nod for Weeks 7-9.
Having either Jonah Jackson or Steve Avila back in the starting rotation would massively upgrade the left guard position and the offensive line.
