The Los Angeles Rams are back in the NFC Championship Game, and if you’ve been following their journey this season, you know it’s been anything but a smooth ride. It took a gritty, overtime win in the freezing cold of Chicago to punch their ticket, but now Sean McVay is headed to his third NFC title game since taking the reins in 2017. That’s three appearances in nine seasons - a testament to both his staying power and the Rams’ ability to retool on the fly.
But this is not the same Rams squad that lifted the Lombardi Trophy in Super Bowl LVI. In fact, very few players from that championship roster are still around.
Back then, the team’s rallying cry was “Run It Back.” But that plan unraveled quickly - most notably when Von Miller chased a well-earned payday in Buffalo just months after hoisting the trophy in LA.
One of the last remaining pieces from that Super Bowl team is right tackle Rob Havenstein. A mainstay on the offensive line for years, Havenstein has been a stabilizing presence when healthy.
The problem? He’s only suited up for six games this season.
A lingering injury landed him on injured reserve, and while he was designated to return this week, head coach Sean McVay’s recent comments cast doubt on whether he’ll be ready to go.
Still, there’s a glimmer of hope. Even if Havenstein doesn’t take the field against the Seahawks in the NFC title game, just having him back at practice is a boost for the offensive line.
He’s not just a veteran - he’s the emotional leader of that unit. His presence alone brings energy, and his knowledge of blocking schemes and in-game adjustments is something younger linemen can lean on.
Warren McClendon Jr., the rookie filling in at right tackle, has held his own for the most part. But against the Bears, he had a rough outing, getting beat multiple times in the cold. That kind of performance raises questions about how the Rams will handle the position moving forward - especially if they make it to Super Bowl LX.
Now, let’s be clear: re-inserting Havenstein into the starting lineup isn’t as simple as flipping a switch. Offensive line play is about chemistry and cohesion, and it’s tough to regain that rhythm after missing most of the season.
Three practices won’t magically restore timing with the rest of the front five. That said, if the Rams do advance, and Havenstein can get in a full week of work, he could be in the mix for a potential Super Bowl start.
There’s also a bigger picture here. Havenstein’s contract runs through the end of the 2025 season, but with only six games played this year, his future in LA is uncertain.
If the Rams fall short of the Super Bowl, there’s a real chance that the veteran tackle has already played his final snap in Horns. You can bet he’d love one more shot to suit up and help this team chase another title.
For now, the Rams are focused on the task at hand: beating the Seahawks and earning a trip to Super Bowl LX. Whether Havenstein is in uniform or not, his leadership still matters - and if this is the end of the line for him in LA, he’s left a lasting mark on this franchise.