Matthew Stafford’s key Rams teammate dealing with unexpected injury ahead of 2025 NFL season

Football is a game won in the trenches. Hence, having a good offensive line is key for any team’s success. That’s why Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams are concerned with the latest health report of LT Alaric Jackson ahead of the 2025 NFL season.

NFL Network reported on Friday that Jackson is dealing with blood clots. This is not the first time he has dealt with this, as Jackson faced this issue in 2022. While the report states that Jackson should be able to play in the 2025 season, the Rams went ahead and signed T D.J. Humphries in Free Agency.

Last year, the Rams tackle played and started in 14 games. Jackson was ranked 19th in the best offensive tackles list by Pro Football Focus. He has been a clear upgrade in Sean McVay’s offensive line during the last two years.

Protecting Stafford is a Rams’ priority

Having Matthew Stafford protected is key if the Rams want to have any kind of success. Not only is Stafford prone to injuries (even if he plays through them), but also has lots of talent. If you can buy Stafford some time, he can really produce for the team. Letting him launch those missiles is how the Rams get another dimension to their offense.

Alaric Jackson #77 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates after a his team’s rushing touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on November 26, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona.

Of course, if he has an educated arm, he also needs educated receivers. Fortunately for the team, they do have a deep, top-tier WR corp. Puka Nacua is entering his third year in the league. In 2024, he had 990 yards and 3 TDs in only 11 games. He also averaged an outstanding 74.5% catching percentage.

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Then, the Rams went to add non other than Davante Adams, another top-tier, prolific route runner and great pass catcher. Even if last season wasn’t ‘great’ for Adams’ standard, he still reached 1,000 yards while playing for the Raiders and the Jets. He also scored 8 TDs. Stafford also has veteran Tutu Atwell and Jordan Whittington ready to roll if needed.

The Rams offense is one of the NFL’s best

Not only do they have a good O-Line, great WRs and a reliable tight end in Tyler Higbee. Their run game is also very dangerous. Kyren Williams has two straight 1,000-yards seasons and at 25 years old, he is just entering his prime. He also has 26 TDs in the last couple of years.

However, none of this would be possible if not by the offensive mastermind in Sean McVay. The Rams’ HC is a genius when it comes to play design and playcalling. If L.A. manages to stay somehow healthy, they are a force to be reckoned with in the NFC.