Comeback Bid: Avila and Jackson Take First Step Towards Return
The Los Angeles Rams announced that offensive linemen Steve Avila and Jonah Jackson have both been designated to return from injured reserve, opening up their 21-day practice window.
Rams head coach Sean McVay recently spoke on this and did not rule out either returning for their Monday night matchup with the Miami Dolphins in Week 10.
“These are positive things that we can figure out and then it’ll be a positive to see what that means in terms of Jonah Jackson’s availability for the Dolphins game. We expect him to be ready to go and Steve [Avila] is a possibility as well.”
Getting both Jackson and Avila back would be great news for the Rams as they are two of the better interior offensive linemen in the entire NFL.
While rookies Beau Limmer and Justin Dedich have done a really nice job filling in for them in recent weeks, there’s not deny the impact that both Avila and Jackson can have on the Rams’ offense. Not only will they help Kyren Williams and the run game, which has been struggling, but they will also help protect Matthew Stafford from interior pressure.
What positions with Steve Avila and Jonah Jackson play for Rams
Steve Avila was originally projected to play center for the Rams after they signed Jonah Jackson, who was projected to play left guard.
Just before the start of the season though, the Rams decided to flip them so Avila will now play left guard and Jackson will be at center.
The Rams are still giving Jackson some reps at left guard though as if Avila is forced to miss one more week, that is where he would play with Beau Limmer staying at center.
With Joe Noteboom expected to return this week as well, the Rams’ offensive line is the healthiest it has been all season. Right tackle Rob Havenstein is expected to miss one game with an ankle issue, but Noteboom can fill in while he is out and L.A. won’t miss a beat.
Currently on a three-game winning streak, there is potential for the Rams to take off even more from here now that their offensive line and receiving corps are finally healthy.
