Former Lions guard Jonah Jackson expected to miss the preseason
The explosion in the guard market in free agency this year meant the Detroit Lions were going to lose left guard Jonah Jackson. He got a three-year, $51 million contract ($34 million guaranteed) from the Los Angeles Rams, reuniting him with Matthew Stafford.
Durability became a thing for Jackson as a Lion in recent years, including a total of six missed games last season (five regular season games and the NFC Championship Game). That surely helped the Lions decide not to pay him what his market would command.
Jackson apparently left Rams' practice on Tuesday. On Wednesday, he was seen with his left arm in a sling and he did not participate in a walk-through. The team, as vaguely as should be expected. deemed him day-to-day with a shoulder injury.
Just saw Rams left guard Jonah Jackson with his left arm in a sling. Jackson, the Rams' big free agent acquisition of the offseason, left practice with trainers yesterday.
— Adam Grosbard (@AdamGrosbard) July 31, 2024
Former Lions guard Jonah Jackson out for the preseason
Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic further reported that Jackson has a shoulder injury, while adding there's optimism he won't miss significant regular season time. Head coach Sean McVay will address reporters on Thursday, and he'll surely clearly say (insert sarcasm) what Jackson is dealing with, how long he's expected to be out, etc. upon being asked.
Rams OL Jonah Jackson has a shoulder injury, a source said, but so far there is optimism he won’t miss significant regular-season time. Jackson was not present at today’s walkthrough. Sean McVay to address reporters in standard presser tomorrow.
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) July 31, 2024
The added layer of Rodrigue's report carries a certain insinuation that is not hard to see. On that note ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Jackson is expected to miss the preseason due to a bruised scapala, but he has a chance to return for the season opener against his former team.
Sources: Rams starting guard Jonah Jackson, who was spotted on the sidelines today with his left arm in a sling, is expected to miss this preseason due to a bruised scapula, but he has a chance to return for the start of the regular season vs. his former Detroit Lions team. pic.twitter.com/htTdy1yjJM
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 31, 2024
Jackson probably would not have played in the preseason anyway, based on McVay's history of resting starters completely in preseason games. But an injury as severe as this is obviously not ideal under any circumstance, and prominently in sheer terms of missed practice time with new linemates.
So there's a chance the Lions don't face Jackson in Week 1, about 5-6 weeks from now. But his injury issues aren't their problem anymore, so there's that.
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