The Los Angeles Rams are going to have a decent amount of competition on the offensive line before the 2023 season begins. Following the start of OTAs, Matthew Stafford praised the competitiveness of Alaric Jackson, who is hoping to earn an expanded role in the trenches in the coming months.
“Yeah, I think he’s a competitive guy. I think it comes out in his attitude probably when you guys talk to him, but also when he plays. Typical nasty offensive lineman and it’s fun to be around,” Stafford said. “He’s definitely a competitive guy that wants to get out there and play physical. It’s up to all those guys to go earn their spots, like it is everybody on our team. But just as much competition as we can possibly have at all the positions is a good thing for us.”
In Week 6 of the 2022 season, Joseph Noteboom suffered a season-ending injury after he signed a multi-year extension with the Rams. With Noteboom sidelined, Jackson made six consecutive starts along the offensive line, spending time at guard and tackle.
But after the team’s Week 9 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jackson was inactive and would miss the rest of the season due to blood clots. After taking time away from the Rams to improve his health, the third-year undrafted lineman out of Iowa could earn an increased role in 2023.
Noteboom continues to rehab his Achilles injury, which has allowed Jackson to receive snaps with the starters in OTAs. Whether or not he ends up becoming a starter to begin the upcoming season, Stafford is undoubtedly happy to have Jackson be part of the revamped offensive line group in 2023.
