Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay provided an update Tuesday on left tackle Alaric Jackson, revealing the player is dealing with blood clots in his lower leg—a health concern that has understandably put his status in limbo. Jackson did not travel with the team to Hawaii for mandatory minicamp, and McVay was careful to emphasize a cautious, day-to-day approach. “We’re really just taking it a day at a time,” McVay said, underscoring the uncertainty surrounding Jackson’s recovery timeline.
This is not the first time Jackson has faced such a serious issue; he missed the final nine games of the 2022 season due to blood clots. Since then, Jackson has become a fixture on the Rams’ offensive line, starting 15 games in 2023 and 14 in 2024, and earning respect for his solid play, with a Pro Football Focus grade placing him among the league’s top 20 tackles last season.
Los Angeles Rams’ Alaric Jackson Faces Uncertain Future Amid Blood Clot Diagnosis: McVay’s Cautious Update
Despite re-signing Jackson to a three-year, $57 million deal this offseason, McVay’s remarks hinted at the complexity of the situation. The coach emphasized that the priority is Jackson’s health, not football, stating, “There needs to be a lot of discussion and dialogue with [Jackson] and with the doctors about, most importantly, what’s best for him as a human being. And then you talk about football after that.” His wording suggests the Rams are navigating uncharted waters, weighing medical risks against football ambitions without rushing to definitive conclusions.
Jackson’s situation draws uncomfortable parallels to that of former NFL center Billy Price, a first-round pick in 2018 who announced his retirement in June at age 29 after undergoing emergency surgery for a pulmonary embolism. Price described the ordeal as life-altering, noting the terrifying reality of an unprovoked clot nearly costing him his life. He ultimately chose retirement over the daily risk of playing while on blood thinners, a sobering reminder of the risks involved with this condition.
To safeguard their roster, the Rams recently signed veteran tackle D.J. Humphries to a one-year contract. Humphries, a former Pro Bowler who battled injuries last season, provides much-needed insurance while Jackson’s future remains uncertain. McVay described the signing as “proactive,” reinforcing the team’s acknowledgment of the murkiness ahead.
McVay also praised Jackson’s transparency, noting that the player’s communication helped detect the issue early, allowing for timely medical intervention. “You pray for him to be able to have a healthy, safe recovery,” McVay said, acknowledging the unique and unpredictable nature of blood clot cases. His guarded tone reflects the reality that while Jackson’s recovery is the top priority, the timeline—and perhaps even his long-term playing future—remains unsettled. As the Rams gather more information and consult closely with medical professionals, the hope is for a positive outcome, but patience and caution will define the path forward.
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