2 Rams Veterans Officially Doubtful vs. 49ers On TNF

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On Wednesday afternoon, it was reported that both starting right tackle Rob Havenstein and tight end Tyler Higbee will be doubtful to play on Thursday night.

Havenstein entered last week’s game with a questionable tag, dealing with an ankle injury. Havenstein went on to play 100 percent of the team’s offensive snaps, but struggled against the Colts 16th ranked pass rush. He allowed a career-high nine pressures and earned a bottom-five run-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus.

If Havenstein is forced to miss time, Warren McClendon will take his spot on the right side, flanking Kevin Dotson. It appears that left guard Steve Avila will return to the starting lineup after missing significant time with an ankle injury of his own.

The Rams’ usage of tight ends has shifted significantly this season, doubling the amount of two-tight-end sets. This has resulted in a large snap share reduction for Higbee, with more involvment of Colby Parkinson and Davis Allen.

If Higbee misses time, it may open the door for rookie Terrance Ferguson, who has played five offensive snaps through four games, listed as a healthy scratch over the last two weeks.

The Rams are a significant favorite over the hobbled 49ers, and these injuries are unlikely to shift that view, but it will be interesting to see how the offense responds without two of its longtime stalwarts, especially in regard to protecting Matthew Stafford.