​Rams might have a big problem protecting Matthew Stafford in 2026 originally appeared on The Sporting News.
Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Los Angeles Rams are the best team in the NFL as the 2026 season gets underway. Their offense is stacked, and after adding a lot of talent on defense, this team might be unstoppable.But that doesn’t mean that there aren’t areas of the roster worth worrying about. For the Rams, they have one major issue that could derail their 2026 season.ESPN’s Sarah Bishop called the Rams’ offensive tackle spot their “biggest concern” thanks to questions about three players for a variety of reasons.Rams might have a big OT problem for 2026 season”Biggest concern: Offensive tackle,” Bishop writes. “The Rams don’t have much depth at tackle, which could matter if left tackle Alaric Jackson is suspended.”With Jackson’s future with the Rams a bit of an unknown, Stafford’s blindside might have a hole that needs to be addressed.Unfortunately, Keagen Trost is hurt, and David Quessenberry is far from an ideal option on the depth chart if Jackson is out.But that’s not the only issue at tackle. Warren McClendon Jr. is taking over at right tackle, and while there is some optimism about his game, he could struggle this upcoming season, and it wouldn’t be a surprise.MORE: Patriots and Christian Gonzalez are still far apart on contract extension talksBetween the two tackle spots, the Rams might be in a bad spot. This Rams offensive line has to protect Stafford, not only from injury but also simply to have a functioning offense.The interior of the offensive line is solid, but the Rams really could use more stability at the tackle spots. If it’s an issue all year, this offense might have a capped upside.If there is one thing that could stop the Rams in 2026 that doesn’t involve an injury, it would be poor play from both tackles, or just one of the tackle spots.Jackson, McLendon, Trost, and Quessenberry need to play well in 2026; otherwise, the Rams might be in for a very disappointing 2026 campaign.More NFL news:Why Browns are making a massive mistake with Deshaun Watson as QB1 over Shedeur SandersRaiders name Kirk Cousins as Week 1 starter over Fernando MendozaPackers ‘motivated’ to sign Tucker Kraft to long-term extensionTexans prepared to offer C.J. Stroud a $50M plus contract extensionEagles sign former Cowboys RB draft pick Jaydon Blue to practice squad