Keagen Trost is back at practice, and for the Rams’ battered tackle group, that timing matters.
The rookie offensive lineman returned on Thursday after spending the start of the year on injured reserve with a hamstring injury suffered in the Rams’ preseason opener. With Alaric Jackson out for one game because of suspension, Trost’s return gives Los Angeles a little more breathing room at one of the thinnest spots on the roster.
That said, Trost is not expected to jump straight into the lineup. Veteran David Quessenberry is lined up to start in Jackson’s place against the Arizona Cardinals, leaving Trost in more of a depth role if he’s active on game day. The Rams’ tackle room is stretched so thin that even bench help has value, and Bill Murray is the only other tackle currently on the 53-man roster.
Head coach Sean McVay sounds encouraged about Trost’s chances of being available, which is a welcome development for a team that can’t afford many more hits at the position.
There is also better news attached to Jackson’s suspension. After his appeal, the punishment was trimmed from two games to one, following the punch he threw at Bills linebacker Bradley Chubb after Monday’s loss. So the Rams only need to survive this week without him, then Jackson should be back in Week 7 against the Raiders.
If Trost keeps progressing without any setbacks, the Rams could have their rotation back closer to full strength by then. He may not be in line for major snaps, but getting him back on the field and into weekly practice work should help keep him ready if his number is called.
Quessenberry is the question mark in all of this. He played just 18 offensive snaps for the Rams last season and hasn’t made a start since 2023. He looked prepared during training camp and contributed on special teams, but that’s a different world from handling real regular-season reps against Cardinals starters.
The Rams will be hoping his 36-year-old body holds up. If Quessenberry gets banged up, Trost would be the next option. If Trost can’t go, Murray would be next in line.
Beyond the immediate depth chart, Trost’s return matters because it finally lets the rookie third-round pick get back to developing after a frustrating preseason injury. The Rams have not gotten much from their 2026 draft class so far. Trost has been on IR all year, tight end Max Klare has not been targeted and has played one offensive snap with six on special teams, and receiver CJ Daniels has yet to be active.
Quarterback Ty Simpson has been filling the role of inactive emergency QB3 on game days, while nose tackle Tim Keenan III was cut from the practice squad to make room for since-released linebacker Jamie Sheriff.
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