The Los Angeles Rams had to completely change their offensive line due to injuries during a 26-20 overtime loss at the Detroit Lions.
With a few days to deal with the situation and bring in new players, the Rams (0-1) hope to be in better shape when they play the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.
“I thought the guys did a great job of fighting and grinding and trying to claw one out,” said right tackle Rob Havenstein, who missed the season opener because of an ankle injury. “Obviously there’s stuff to clean up and get better at, but for the guys in there, they were fighting. There was no letdown.”
Havenstein was limited in practice on Thursday but is hopeful he can be back in the starting lineup and begin his 10th season with the Rams this week.
“Feeling good, ready to go,” he said. “Just gotta clean up some technique stuff. Luckily, it’s Thursday, and it’s not us playing tonight.”
Havenstein would be a welcome addition after the Rams lost left guard Steve Avila and swing tackle Joe Noteboom to knee and ankle injuries against the Lions. Both were placed on injured reserve on Wednesday.
Right guard Kevin Dotson got a foot injury in Detroit and missed his second straight practice, making his availability uncertain. Left tackle Alaric Jackson has to serve a two-game suspension this week.
These absences led the Rams to add new players this week. They signed rookie Dylan McMahon from the Philadelphia Eagles’ practice squad and free agent Geron Christian on Wednesday after bringing back 38-year-old Ty Nsekhe one day earlier.
McMahon, a sixth-round pick from N.C. State, found out about his new team late on Monday night and has been working hard since arriving to get up to speed.
“There’s some familiar faces around the locker room,” McMahon said. “Got a decent amount of N.C. State presence around here, and just some of the guys I’ve gone through the draft process with, like (rookie center) Beaux (Limmer).
I know Beaux just from the combine and draft process and everything, so it’s been good. Everyone’s willing to help out and learning the offense has been good.”
