Key Los Angeles Rams offensive tackle Rob Havenstein will not play on Sunday against the New England Patriots, head coach Sean McVay has revealed (per Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic). Additionally, backup OT Joe Noteboom is doubtful, leaving a key part of the team’s offensive line to a third-string replacement.
RT Rob Havenstein is out for Sunday’s game, and backup Joe Noteboom is doubtful, per Sean McVay.
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) November 15, 2024
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Havenstein injured his ankle during Week 9’s face-off with the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. The injury appeared to occur in the third quarter, during a run by Kyren Williams, and Havenstein was seen limping off the field with the trainer’s arm around his shoulder. He was later listed as questionable to return.
Now, it is definite that he will miss another game, this time against the Patriots. To make things even worse for the Rams, second-stringer tackle Noteboom is considered doubtful to play after re-aggravating his ankle injury during Monday night’s loss to the Miami Dolphins.
Noteboom had previously missed seven consecutive games from Week 2 to Week 9 while recovering from the same injury, and had just returned from injured reserve on Monday before suffering another setback.
This means that right tackle will almost certainly be handled by Warren McClendon Jr., who has already filled in at right tackle this season. He started at right tackle in Week 1 and then shifted to left tackle in Week 2. McClendon also stepped in for Havenstein in Week 9 after the player’s injury, playing 19 snaps in the Rams’ victory over Seattle.
The Rams have struggled with injuries across both their offensive and defensive units throughout the 2024 season. Recently, they activated center Steve Avila and guard Jonah Jackson from injured reserve. Avila, who suffered a knee injury in Week 1, has been out ever since, while Jackson, who fractured his scapula in the Rams’ Week 2 loss to the Arizona Cardinals, has also missed the majority of the season. In addition, wide receiver Puka Nacua has dealt with recurring knee issues.
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Havenstein was drafted in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft. A consistent starter throughout his career, he has been a key contributor to the Rams’ offensive line, known for his strength in both pass protection and run blocking.
Havenstein was part of the Rams’ offensive line during their Super Bowl LVI victory in 2022. He’s also played a vital role in protecting quarterbacks like Jared Goff and Matthew Stafford over his career, helping the team maintain a competitive offensive attack. The Rams can ill afford to lose him for any more time this season.
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