The Los Angeles Rams received a boost on Friday ahead of their Week 2 clash with the Tennessee Titans, as starting right guard Kevin Dotson has officially been cleared to play. Dotson’s availability comes as welcome news after the veteran lineman exited last week’s season opener against the Houston Texans with an ankle injury.
Dotson, 28, was initially considered week-to-week following the injury. He was limited in practice on Thursday but showed enough progress for head coach Sean McVay and the Rams’ medical staff to clear him for action. Now in his third season with Los Angeles after beginning his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Dotson has been a steady presence along the offensive line. In his career, he has logged 61 starts across 70 total games — proof of his reliability and consistency.
Mixed News for the Rams’ Offensive Line
While Dotson’s return is a positive development, the Rams’ offensive front is still not back to full strength. Left guard Steve Avila, who also left the Texans game with a sprained ankle, has not practiced all week. McVay confirmed on Friday that Avila is considered doubtful to suit up against Tennessee.
Avila, 25, is a key piece of the Rams’ offensive line, having started every game since entering the league. Through 28 career starts, he has quickly established himself as a foundational player for the unit. His absence will leave a noticeable gap against a Titans defense known for its physicality up front.
The Rams did get some encouraging news elsewhere on the line. Veteran tackle Rob Havenstein returned to practice this week as he works back from his own ankle injury. Havenstein’s presence, combined with Dotson’s clearance, should help stabilize the unit despite Avila’s likely absence.
Other Injury Notes
The Rams will also be monitoring the status of tight end Colby Parkinson, who is listed as doubtful with a shoulder injury sustained last week. Parkinson’s potential absence could limit some of Los Angeles’ offensive flexibility, particularly in heavy formations or red-zone situations where his size is an asset.
What It Means Against the Titans
For the Rams, keeping quarterback Matthew Stafford upright will be critical in Sunday’s matchup. Tennessee boasts a strong defensive front, led by Jeffery Simmons, that can create havoc in the trenches. Dotson’s return gives Los Angeles a much-needed reinforcement, but without Avila, the Titans may look to exploit the left side of the Rams’ line.
The Rams managed to grind out a win over Houston in Week 1 despite losing both starting guards mid-game, but doing so against a more battle-tested Titans squad could prove more difficult. Having at least one starter back in Dotson improves their chances of controlling the line of scrimmage, especially in the running game.
Final Outlook
Injuries are already testing the Rams’ depth early in the season, but the return of Kevin Dotson is a significant step forward. His experience and toughness will be crucial against Tennessee, particularly with Steve Avila trending toward missing Sunday’s contest. With Havenstein also nearing full strength, Los Angeles is slowly piecing its offensive line back together just in time for a tough AFC opponent.