The Los Angeles Rams already faced questions about their offensive tackle depth heading into the 2026 NFL season. 

Those concerns grew louder after rookie right tackle Keagen Trost left the preseason game with a hamstring issue, putting a spotlight on a position group that cannot afford to lose bodies.

Trost, a third-round draft pick in the 2026 NFL Draft out of Missouri, was brought in to serve as the team’s swing tackle and first option off the bench in the event of an injury to a starter. He also has the versatility to slide inside and play guard, making him a valuable depth piece across the offensive line. 

The specifics behind the hamstring issue remain unclear, and there is no definitive word yet on whether this will be a short-term or long-term absence.

That uncertainty is what makes this development so concerning for Los Angeles. The Rams have their starters in place, and Alaric Jackson returns as the mainstay at left tackle (although he was banged up a year ago). Warren McClendon played good football at right tackle last season. 

But beyond that, the cupboard gets thin in a hurry. Trost was drafted specifically to fill that gap, and his potential absence (even if it’s brief) leaves the team without a reliable next man up on the outside.

Offensive tackle depth is a league-wide premium

There is a reality across the NFL that applies here: you can never have enough offensive tackles. 

Having players who can legitimately hold up on the edge is one of the hottest commodities in professional football. Every team in the league is one or two injuries away from a serious problem at the position. The Rams are no exception, and they might be more vulnerable than most right now.

If a starter goes down for any extended period, Los Angeles could find itself in a difficult spot. 

The depth behind the top options simply does not inspire a ton of confidence at this stage of the offseason. Trost was supposed to be the insurance policy, and that insurance policy being compromised before the regular season even begins is a tough break.

The hope for the Rams is that Trost’s hamstring issue proves to be minor and he can return to the field quickly. If it lingers, this becomes one of the more pressing roster concerns heading into Week 1 — a position group worth monitoring closely as the team finalizes its 53-man roster.

In reality, it remains a concern whether Trost is healthy or not. Outside of him, the Rams have David Quessenberry and Blake Hance as potential backup options. That isn’t exactly the most reassuring group to count on.

Keeping quarterback Matthew Stafford healthy is paramount for this team to reach its upside. Head coach Sean McVay and this Rams staff will need to eye all their options to make sure that No. 9 remains comfortable and available, especially with a potential Super Bowl run on the horizon.