The Detroit Lions will open the 2024 season against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday Night Football in a little more than two weeks. On Friday, the NFL announced Rams' left tackle Alaric Jackson has been suspended for the first two games of the season for violating the league's Personal Conduct Policy.
Jackson made a full-time to move to left tackle for the Rams last season, starting 15 games. He was Pro Football Focus's 43rd-best offensive tackle, with just one sack allowed. He has been battling an injury in training camp though, and veteran offensive lineman Joe Noteboom has been taking his place at left tackle. Noteboom started eight games last year for the Rams, split between left tackle, right guard and right tackle. He has started 31 games over six seasons with the team.
Rams looking thin in key area for Week 1 vs. Lions
It's been a fairly tough run for the Rams' offensive line. Jackson's injury and now suspension is one thing. But right tackle Rob Havenstein missed significant time during training camp, but he returned to practice this week and he's at least trending positively toward being able to play in the season opener.
And lest we forget about left guard Jonah Jackson, the prize free agent signing of the Rams' offseason.
The former Lion has been out almost all of training camp with a left shoulder injury (a bruised scapula). Earlier this week Rams' head coach Sean McVay said Jackson is expected to work back into the fold next week, but his Week 1 status remains up in the air until further notice.
It's been a rough start for the #Rams offensive line:
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) August 23, 2024
-LT Alaric Jackson: Suspended two games
-LG Jonah Jackson: Missed most of camp due to injury
-RT Rob Havenstein: Missed time due to injury
The Rams will at least be without their left tackle in Week 1 against the Lions, and it's possible the starting left side of their offensive line will be out with Jackson's status where it is. Let's assume Havenstein will play.
Fams quarterback Matthew Stafford has been a little banged up himself lately, dealing with hamstring tightness, and it's not as if he's all that mobile anyway.
In any case, things are lining up for the Lions' pass rush to start the season on a good note.