The Rams scramble in June 2025 after Alaric Jackson's injury. Can new OT D.J. Humphries protect Matthew Stafford? Get the latest on the O-line crisis.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
Friday brought a sobering dose of reality for the Rams' offensive line. The team announced that starting left tackle Alaric Jackson is sidelined indefinitely with blood clots, a serious concern that immediately sent the front office into action. In a swift response, the Rams signed veteran tackle D.J. Humphries, signaling a significant shake-up in the trenches just weeks before training camp.
I'm healthy and happy... the connection with Stafford is growing every day.
The news of Alaric Jackson's blood clots is a major blow, removing a key protector for Matthew Stafford for an unknown period. To plug the gap, the Rams brought in D.J. Humphries, a 10-year veteran with 100 career starts. While Humphries brings a wealth of experience, he's also working his way back from his own injury history, including a 2023 ACL tear. This isn't just a two-man story, though. Quietly, second-year player Warren McClendon Jr. has been turning heads in offseason workouts, emerging as a dark horse candidate for significant playing time. The battle to protect Stafford's blindside just became the most critical storyline of the preseason.
While the O-line news is concerning, the offense received a massive jolt of positivity from its newest star. Davante Adams declared himself 'healthy and happy' during minicamp, feeling rejuvenated in the Rams' system. Coach Sean McVay has been glowing about the developing chemistry between Adams and Matthew Stafford, a connection that could prove lethal alongside Puka Nacua. For a team needing good news, hearing that its premier free-agent acquisition is thriving is a huge relief.
Alaric Jackson isn't the only Ram on the mend. The team is navigating a worrying number of injuries to key starters. Star receiver Puka Nacua (PCL) is targeting a Week 9 return, while guard Steve Avila (MCL) is aiming for November. The list continues with tight end Tyler Higbee (ACL/MCL, Week 8 target) and safety John Johnson (scapula fracture, Week 9 target). The Rams' depth will be tested early and often, making a healthy start to the season a significant challenge.
It wasn't all about injuries and transactions. The Rams' 2025 rookie class, led by mascot Rampage, spent Friday making a different kind of impact. The group visited pediatric and cancer patients at Cedars-Sinai, spending time taking photos, signing autographs, and bringing smiles to faces that needed it most. It was a wonderful display of character from the newest Rams and a reminder of the team's strong connection to the Los Angeles community.
Friday was a whirlwind of highs and lows. The alarming news about Alaric Jackson and the growing injury list cast a shadow over the offseason, but the front office's decisive signing of D.J. Humphries shows they won't sit idly by. With Davante Adams looking like his old self and young players like Warren McClendon Jr. stepping up, there's still plenty of reason for optimism. All eyes now turn to training camp, where the health of the team and the fierce competition on the offensive line will determine just how high this team can fly in 2025.
