The Los Angeles Rams (4-4) have designated two starting offensive linemen to return from injured reserve. Guard Steve Avila and center Jonah Jackson both received permission to return to practice and the Rams will benefit handsomely. Both players have missed most of the season. Avila suffered and had surgery for a sprained MCL, while Jackson left Week 2 with a broken scapula.
Their return greatly boosts a weakened Rams offensive line by adding two starters back in the mix.
Former First-Round Pick Returns to Rams Lineup
While Jackson’s return as a starting center is crucial for him and quarterback Matthew Stafford, most Rams fans are focused on Avila. Drafted with the 36th pick in the 2023 NFL draft, the former TCU Horned Frog plays a key role in the Rams offense. His role as a leader led head coach Sean McVay to consider him the starting center before Jackson arrived. His ability to block in the running game and reach the second level led Kyren Williams to finish third in rushing yards in 2023.
Expect Williams’ numbers to rise with the O-line boost. Last year with Avila, Williams averaged five yards per carry. So far this season, he averages just 3.7.
In pass protection, Avila’s poise and natural strength in protecting quarterback Matthew Stafford are important going forward. Even with Avila out, Stafford has taken 17 sacks so far this season, putting him at 18th in the NFL. While the Rams have allowed average sack totals, adding Avila and Jackson, two of the best interior offensive linemen in the league, can only help Stafford.
While Avila is expected to be back soon, the Texas Christian product may not be ready for Monday. In his post-practice presser on Monday, McVay was more confident about Jackson’s return compared to Avila.
“It’ll be a positive to see what that means in terms of Jonah Jackson’s availability for the Dolphins game,” McVay said. “We expect him to be ready to go and Steve [Avila] is a possibility as well.”
Jonah Jackson
While Avila was a Rams second-round pick, Jackson came to Los Angeles by way of Detroit Lions. An early third-round selection, Jackson played at Rutgers and Ohio State. In 2021, his performance in the Lions’ first season under Dan Campbell made Jackson the sole Pro Bowler on the roster.
Like Avila, Jackson primarily played left guard in college and Detroit. However, his arrival in Southern California came with a move on the football field. McVay named him the starting center in Week 1, but his early injury has left him sidelined, until now.
Jackson’s pass protection and run blocking in Detroit were on the money. His role as the pulling guard in run plays may not be used when playing center, but his one-on-one ability in pass protection is key.
The key role in Jackson’s game will be his communication with Stafford. Center-quarterback communication is crucial to running a smooth offense and since Jackson has not played since Week 2, there could be miscommunication in high-pressure moments. With a veteran signal-caller like Stafford who has played with a variety of centers, it shouldn’t be too much of a problem.
Going into Monday night, expect Jackson to shore up the offensive line against the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins’ pass rush is not too dangerous and their 20.4% pressure percentage ranks 23rd in the NFL. It could be the perfect night for Jackson to get back into the flow of the game as he ramps up for the rest of the season.
Main Image: Jayne Kamin-Oncea – USA Today Sports
