The Los Angeles Rams will be hoping they can return to their ranks of Super Bowl contenders in 2024 season.
But they will start that quest without left tackle Alaric Jackson.
Jackson, per multiple reports, has been suspended for the first two games of the 2024 season for a violation of the NFL's personal conduct policy.
The 2021 second-round pick out of Iowa started 15 games for the Rams last season. Per Pro Football Focus, he conceded just one sack in 570 pass blocking snaps.
Jackson will now miss the Rams games against the Detroit Lions and Arizona Cardinals. He will be eligible to return in time for the Rams' Week 3 matchup with the San Francisco 49ers, whom the Rams are aiming to dethrone in the NFC West.
Los Angeles does at least have a readymade replacement for its prospective starting left tackle, with Joseph Noteboom the favorite to fill the void.
However, recent evidence would suggest Noteboom will be a downgrade, having allowed four sacks in 346 pass blocking snaps last year.
If Noteboom cannot improve on that performance from last year, it will place more pressure on quarterback Matthew Stafford as he looks to get the Rams' push for a place in the Super Bowl off to a winning start at the home of his former team.
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