What’s the deal with Alaric Jackson? Rams star suffers health scare

The LA Rams are embarking on a crucial season under head coach Chris McVay, looking to build on two consecutive 10-7 seasons and challenge for another championship.

But while the OTAs largely went to plan there is a potential fitness issue that could force major changes to the team. Starting left tackle Alaric Jackson is reportedly suffering with blood clots and his availability for the 2025 season is not guaranteed.

Jackson previous missed a significant part of the 2022 season for the same reason, heightening concern for his well-being now. Since recovering from the 2022 injury Jackson has started 15 and 14 games in the following two seasons.

NBC Sports reports that Jackson is expected to play some part in the 2025 season but the team have acted swiftly to bring in back-up should his condition worsen.

On Thursday the Rams added offensive tackle D. J. Humphries. It had been reported that Humphries was close to a move to the San Francisco 49ers in April but that deal fell through. Humphries spent a brief spell with the Kansas City Chiefs after joining late in the 2024 season and he looks set to fill a similar back-up role with the Rams.

The Rams are also looking to extend the contract of Kyren Williams, the running back who is a very capable pass blocker. If Jackson is sidelined for an extended period of time it could fall to Williams to help plug the gap.

“Yeah, there are a lot of discussions that are consistently going on,” McVay said on Tuesday, when asked about Williams’ extension.

“And what I love is that Kyren has been here, been leading, been doing exactly what Kyren does, and so I’ve been pleased and we’ll see if there’s an opportunity to be able to land that plane. Good progress, but nothing to report as far as any deal right now.”

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