The Rams' 2025 outlook is shaken as LT Alaric Jackson is sidelined with a serious injury. Amidst this crisis, the team re-signs Derion Kendrick, sparking rumors.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
Just as the Super Bowl buzz was hitting a crescendo for the 2025 Los Angeles Rams, the team was hit with a significant and concerning setback. Starting left tackle Alaric Jackson, a cornerstone of the offensive line, has been diagnosed with blood clots for a second time, casting a major shadow over his availability for the upcoming season and the team's championship aspirations.
We're going to be a much better team this year. I truly believe that.
The news about Alaric 'AJ' Jackson is a gut punch, plain and simple. After signing a contract extension and solidifying his role as the protector of the quarterback's blindside, this recurring health issue is deeply concerning for both Jackson personally and the team. Blood clots are a serious medical condition that could jeopardize his season. The Rams will now have to scramble for a contingency plan for one of the most vital positions on the field. The stability of the entire offensive unit, which was seen as a major strength, is now in question.
In a whiplash-inducing turn of events, the Rams re-signed cornerback Derion Kendrick just days after waiving him. The initial move, which freed up $3.4 million in cap space, was widely seen as a precursor to a blockbuster trade for former Ram Jalen Ramsey. While bringing Kendrick back doesn't completely kill the Ramsey dream, it makes it more complicated. The team now has approximately $5.4 million in cap space if a trade were to happen, which is tight but allows for some mid-season flexibility. Coach McVay has been cagey with his comments, suggesting the front office is still weighing its options.
Despite the turbulent news, the team's undisputed leader, Aaron Donald, is projecting pure confidence. 'We're going to be a much better team this year,' Donald stated, citing the development of the team's young defense over another offseason. His optimism is a crucial anchor for a team with sky-high expectations. With veterans like Tyler Higbee still contributing at a high level and a core built to win now, the belief inside the building remains strong. The front office is still making moves to shore up depth, like signing veteran tackle D.J., a move that now looks even more prescient.
All these moves and concerns are building towards one goal: a Super Bowl. A major test on that path will be the playoff rematch against the Philadelphia Eagles. Billed as one of the must-see games of the 2025 season, it's a chance for redemption after Philly eliminated the Rams in a nail-biter last year. The strategic chess match between Sean McVay's offense and Vic Fangio's formidable defense will be a central storyline. For a Rams team that believes it's a title contender, this game will be an early, high-stakes litmus test.
Tuesday was a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in the NFL. The Rams are simultaneously dealing with a potential crisis on the offensive line while navigating complex roster strategies in the secondary. The path to the Super Bowl is never smooth, and the team's resilience and depth will be tested immediately. As the Rams prepare for minicamp in Hawaii, all eyes will be on how they address the massive question mark at left tackle and whether another blockbuster move is still on the horizon.
