The Los Angeles Rams’ offensive line showed major improvement during the 2024 season, in part due to the personnel changes they made during the offseason.
Those included adding guard Jonah Jackson from the Detroit Lions, moving Steve Avila to center from guard, and re-signing Kevin Dotson, who had the best season of his career in 2023. In addition to the changes, 2024 was a breakout year for tackle Alaric Jackson.
Alaric Jackson’s Health Uncertainty Prompts Rams To Add Veteran Tackle
PFSN’s Offensive Line+ metric graded the Rams B- for 2024. Despite some injuries, the line trended upward from 2023, particularly as the year progressed and the players got healthier.
That’s why many were surprised when the Rams recently announced they signed offensive tackle D.J. Humphries, who was with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2024. Now, the news about why the team may have made that signing.
According to a post on X by Ian Rapoport, the issue appears to be related to Jackson’s health concerns.
“Rams OT Alaric Jackson, a key member of the O-line who just signed an extension, is dealing with blood clots once again, per The Insiders. Similar to what he had in 2022. While the belief is he’ll play in 2025, there are still questions. That explains the DJ Humphries signing,” wrote Rapoport in his post.
Jackson was the Rams’ second-round selection in the 2021 NFL Draft out of Iowa. He served as a backup in his rookie season but was part of the team that helped the Rams win a Super Bowl.
#Rams OT Alaric Jackson, a key member of the O-line who just signed an extension, is dealing with blood clots once again, per The Insiders. Similar to what he had in 2022.
While the belief is he’ll play in 2025, there are still questions. That explains the DJ Humphries signing. pic.twitter.com/H3KvgraB3P
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 13, 2025
In 2022, he won the starting right guard spot in Week 3 but later moved to the left side of the line, where he took over for Joseph Noteboom. Unfortunately, he was diagnosed with blood clots and placed on the injured reserve in the middle of November.
The cause of the blood clots had not been disclosed, but the Rams were counting on Jackson to continue to be a crucial member of the line. He was scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent this spring, but Los Angeles gave him a three-year, $57 million contract extension.
Rams Hope D.J. Humphries Can Fill Jackson’s Cleats if Necessary
Humphries suffered an ACL tear at the end of the 2023 season while playing for the Arizona Cardinals. The Chiefs’ offensive line had been struggling, and they signed Humphries at the end of November, hoping he would be an upgrade.
He played his first game for Kansas City in Week 14 and was expected to start the remainder of the season; however, he injured his hamstring and sat out until Week 18. Ultimately, the Chiefs moved Joe Thuney from guard to left tackle, and Humphries took zero offensive snaps in the postseason. He was given a few special-teams snaps but never saw the field during the Super Bowl.
While the Rams hope Jackson will be able to return for the season, no word yet on the duration of his absence. In the meantime, Humphries provides some needed insurance.
