Rams Start Practice for Veteran Offensive Lineman
Rams Veteran Tackle Rob Havenstein Could Return from Injured Reserve
The Los Angeles Rams have activated a 21-day practice window for veteran right tackle Rob Havenstein, opening the door for his potential return from injured reserve this season.
Havenstein, the longest-tenured player on the Rams roster, has been a crucial presence at right tackle since beginning his career with the team in St. Louis in 2015. Over the past eleven seasons, he has started 148 games, including 13 playoff appearances and two Super Bowl games.
However, injuries have limited his contributions recently, with Havenstein participating in just 18 games over the past two seasons. This season, he has played in only seven contests, with his last appearance coming during the Rams’ 21-19 win against Seattle at SoFi Stadium in mid-November. He has since been sidelined due to an ankle injury and knee bursitis.
As the Rams prepare for an NFC championship showdown against the Seahawks on Sunday, they are hopeful for Havenstein’s return, a development that could bolster their offensive line significantly.
On Thursday, Havenstein was seen back on the practice field at the Rams’ training complex in Woodland Hills, participating in warm-ups during the media-access portion of training.
Warren McClendon Jr. has filled in for Havenstein as a starter and has had commendable performances; however, he faced some challenges during last Sunday’s divisional round overtime victory against Chicago.
Both Havenstein and tight end Tyler Higbee are the only players remaining from coach Sean McVay’s original roster, maintaining their presence during the team’s successful runs in the 2018 and 2021 Super Bowl seasons.
"Rob and Tyler, these are rare humans," McVay remarked on Thursday. "They’re great football players, but they’re great leaders, and they have such respect from the locker room. … You look at the wisdom that Rob has in the meeting room to pour into Warren and really our offensive line as a whole. These are two all-time guys. These are legacy Rams. Obviously they’re special to me."
