The Los Angeles Rams face a crucial Week 17 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons with several key offensive linemen sidelined or limited due to injuries. Head coach Sean McVay confirmed that right guard Kevin Dotson (ankle) will miss Monday night’s contest, while left tackle Alaric Jackson (ankle) is listed as questionable.
“Jackson upgraded from a DNP on Friday to a limited session Saturday, so he’s trending in the right direction,” McVay told reporters. “If he can’t go, D.J. Humphries will step in at left tackle.”
The Rams have clinched a playoff spot, but a combination of two wins and other NFC West results could elevate them to the No. 1 seed. Keeping their offensive line healthy will be essential in those final two games.
Support Local and Independent Sports Writing – Subscribe To the LAFB Network Today!
Linchpins of the Rams Offense
Dotson and Jackson have been foundational to Los Angeles’ offensive efficiency. Both have started 15 of 16 games and were instrumental in the team’s balanced attack this season. When on the field together, the Rams’ offense has averaged:
- 6.25 yards per play
- 4.57 yards per carry on 414 rushing attempts
- 7.54 yards per pass attempt on 538 throws
- 19 total sacks allowed
- 0.134 EPA per play
Dotson has excelled in pass protection, allowing pressure on only 2.4% of snaps, while Jackson has a 5.2% pressure rate. Their presence has helped the Rams average 396.7 yards per game.
Subscribe to LAFB Network’s Los Angeles Rams YouTube Channel
Running Game Insights
The Rams’ right-side production highlights the impact of Dotson in the running game.
A-Gap Right:
- Kyren Williams: 27 attempts, 134 yards (4.96 YPC), 2 TDs
- Blake Corum: 11 attempts, 32 yards (2.91 YPC), 1 TD
B-Gap Right:
- Williams: 49 attempts, 205 yards (4.18 YPC), 1 TD
- Corum: 19 attempts, 64 yards (3.37 YPC), 2 TDs
Williams has been more effective through the A-gap, while both backs generate positive EPA in the B-gap.
Get LAFB’s World Famous ‘Ring Me’ Aaron Donald T-Shirt
Falcons Pass Rush Threat
Atlanta’s defense is primed to exploit any weaknesses along the line. Rookie James Pearce leads the Falcons with 34 pressures and 7.5 sacks, while Leonard Floyd and Kaden Elliss add consistent pressure. Interior defensive tackle Brandon Dorlus has also made a major impact with 7.5 sacks.
- Pressure by alignment: EDGE 110 pressures, DE 39, DT 37
- Blitz vs. non-blitz: 350 pressures on blitzes (29 sacks), 723 pressures on standard rushes (21 sacks)
- Down efficiency: Most productive on 1st downs (69 pressures, 20 sacks)
The Falcons excel at creating pressure early and in specific gap alignments, a potential challenge for the Rams’ ailing offensive front.
What’s at Stake
Dotson and Jackson’s status could dictate the Rams’ offensive rhythm. Their run and pass protection efficiency underpins much of the team’s 2025 success. With a playoff spot secured and a potential NFC West title on the line, the Rams will need a healthy, cohesive line to navigate Atlanta’s aggressive defense and maintain their late-season momentum.