Alright, so the Rams took on the Chiefs this past Saturday in Kansas City, and while it was preseason, what went down with the offensive line is already a huge red flag. Keagen Trost, who started at right tackle, had to leave the game in the first quarter with a hamstring injury, and that alone could completely blow up their tackle depth chart.
The O-Line Just Got a Whole Lot Spookier
Let’s be real, an injury to a starting tackle in preseason is never good news. The Rams were already lining up Trost to back up Warren McClendon, and with Alaric Jackson’s potential suspension hanging out there, veteran David Quessenberry is looking like the only reliable backup option. Think about that for a second: if Trost is out for extended time, he’s probably headed to injured reserve, which could open a spot for someone like AJ Arcuri. But seriously, the Rams shouldn’t feel good about Quessenberry having to step in if Jackson is suspended. That whole right tackle situation just went from a mild concern to a full-blown crisis in one quarter. We’re talking about protecting the QB here, and that line needs to be rock solid.
Who’s Safe? Who’s Not? The Inactive Report Tells All
Now, not everyone sitting out means bad news. Some guys are just so locked in, the coaches don’t need to see them risk it. Shaun Dolac, the middle linebacker? Didn’t play, and honestly, no surprise there. He stepped up big on defense last year before his injury cost him the playoffs, and he’s a special teams monster. He’s gone from a preseason snap hog to a safe bet, which is a massive glow-up. Same goes for Grant Stuard, another MLB, who didn’t play. The Rams invested in him for special teams, so cutting him makes zero sense. Tyler Davis, the defensive tackle? He was chilling in street clothes on the sideline with Kobie Turner and Braden Fiske. The dude is seriously underrated, and there’s no way he’s getting cut this year. Even Josh Wallace, the cornerback, who is third on the depth chart, seems safe despite not playing. The Rams are set at the top two slot corner spots, so it’ll be interesting to see how Trent McDuffie and Quentin Lake’s roles shake out.
The “Interesting” Inactives and What It Means for the Roster Bubble
But then there are the guys who sat out, and it’s not a clear sign they’re locks. These are the “interesting data points.” Ronnie Rivers, the running back, didn’t play, but he’s probably still ahead of Jarquez Hunter. Rivers also contributes way more on special teams, though that could change. Davis Allen, the tight end, was also out. He’s listed as a co-starter, which is wild considering Max Klare, a second-round pick, isn’t going anywhere. Can the Rams really keep five tight ends? If they do, that’s a huge signal they’re going heavy personnel this season, and it means fewer receivers will make the final 53-man roster. This whole tight end situation is going to be something to watch, because it directly impacts other position groups.
Moving forward, the Rams have some serious decisions to make, especially on that offensive line. That Trost injury is going to have ripple effects throughout the roster. This early in the season, you gotta wonder if these “interesting data points” turn into tough cuts as they finalize the roster. Get ready for some tough calls, because McVay always makes them.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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