The Rams, coming off a 10-7 season and an NFC West title in 2024, face an unexpected challenge as they prepare for 2025: the health of their starting left tackle, Alaric Jackson. The 26-year-old, who signed a three-year, $57 million contract extension in February 2025, has been diagnosed with blood clots for the second time in his career, raising concerns about his availability, the long-term implications for his career and contract with the Rams. Let’s go over the potential impact on his playing time, the risks to his NFL future, and options for the Rams if he misses significant time.
A Recurring Health Scare: Blood Clots Strike Again
On June 13, 2025, it was reported that Jackson is grappling with blood clots, a condition that previously sidelined him for nine games in 2022. The issue, which forced him onto injured reserve during the Rams’ ill-fated 2022 Super Bowl defense, has resurfaced at a critical juncture. Jackson, who started 14 games in 2024 and earned a 78.4 PFF grade (ranking fifth among offensive tackles set to hit free agency), is a vital piece of the Rams’ offensive line, protecting quarterback Matthew Stafford’s blind side and paving the way for running back Kyren Williams’ back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons.
While there is optimism that Jackson will play in 2025, no definitive timetable exists, and “questions remain” about his status. The Rams responded swiftly, signing veteran offensive tackle D.J. Humphries on June 12, 2025, as insurance, alongside David Quessenberry, and are evaluating internal options like AJ Arcuri, KT Leveston, Warren McClendon Jr., and Trey Wedig. This move underscores the uncertainty surrounding Jackson’s recovery and the team’s need to protect Stafford, especially with right tackle Rob Havenstein recovering from shoulder surgeries.
#Rams OT Alaric Jackson, a key member of the O-line who just signed an extension, is dealing with blood clots once again, per The Insiders. Similar to what he had in 2022.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 13, 2025
While the belief is he’ll play in 2025, there are still questions. That explains the DJ Humphries signing. pic.twitter.com/H3KvgraB3P
Blood clots, or thromboembolism, are serious and potentially life-threatening, as they can block blood flow to vital organs. For athletes, the condition requires careful management, often involving blood thinners, which can delay return-to-play due to bleeding risks during contact sports. Jackson’s prior experience with clots in 2022 suggests he and his medical team are familiar with the treatment protocol, but the recurrence raises red flags about his long-term health and durability.
Veganism and Blood Clots: Is There a Connection?
Jackson, a dual Canadian-American citizen from Windsor, Ontario, is one of the NFL’s few openly vegan players, a lifestyle he adopted during his college career at Iowa. While veganism is praised for its cardiovascular benefits—lower cholesterol, reduced blood pressure, and decreased risk of heart disease—some studies suggest potential risks relevant to Jackson’s condition. A 2023 study in Nutrients noted that vegans may have lower levels of vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids, both of which play roles in blood clotting regulation. B12 deficiency, if unmanaged, can elevate homocysteine levels, a risk factor for thrombosis, while insufficient omega-3s may affect blood viscosity.
However, there’s no direct evidence linking Jackson’s vegan diet to his blood clots. Genetic predispositions, dehydration, or trauma from football’s physical toll are more likely culprits, as seen in cases like former NFL player Chris Kemoeatu, who also battled clots. Jackson’s 2022 episode was attributed to a combination of factors, including a knee injury that limited mobility, potentially contributing to clot formation. A vegan diet, when well-planned with supplements like B12 and algae-based omega-3s, is unlikely to cause clots, but Jackson’s medical team is likely scrutinizing his nutrition to rule out deficiencies. For now, his veganism remains a personal choice, not a confirmed factor in his health crisis.
Career Threat: How Serious Is the Risk?
Jackson’s recurring blood clots pose a significant threat to his NFL career, though the extent depends on his recovery and long-term management. In 2022, he missed half the season but returned in 2023 to start 15 games, proving his resilience. His 2024 performance—allowing just three sacks and 25 pressures in 583 pass-blocking snaps—earned him a lucrative extension, cementing his status as Andrew Whitworth’s heir.
However, the recurrence of clots at age 26 is alarming. Chronic thromboembolism or underlying conditions like factor V Leiden could require lifelong anticoagulation treatment, complicating his ability to play a high-contact sport. If Jackson faces extended absences or cannot safely return, his career could be curtailed, as seen with players like former NBA star Chris Bosh, whose career ended due to recurrent clots. While the Rams and Jackson remain optimistic, the lack of a clear recovery timeline and the need for ongoing medical monitoring cast a shadow over his future.
Beyond physical risks, Jackson’s absence could impact his role with the Rams. Humphries, a former first-round pick with 100 career starts, is a capable replacement, and a strong performance could push Jackson to a backup role if his recovery lags. The Rams’ depth chart is now crowded, and Jackson’s $57 million contract—while a bargain for a top-20 tackle—may pressure the team to prioritize a fully healthy starter.
Was Re-Signing Jackson a Mistake?
The Rams’ decision to re-sign Jackson to a three-year, $57 million deal in February 2025 was hailed as a savvy move at the time, locking in a young, top-15 tackle at a below-market $19 million AAV compared to peers like Trent Williams ($23 million AAV). However, his recurring blood clots—known to the Rams from his 2022 episode—raise questions about the wisdom of the investment. The team knew Jackson’s medical history, and he passed a physical before signing, suggesting they accepted the risk. Yet, the rapid recurrence of clots, just months after the extension, exposes the gamble. Had the Rams let Jackson hit free agency, they could have pursued a veteran like Humphries earlier or drafted a tackle in 2025, avoiding the $35 million in guarantees now at risk. While Jackson’s 2024 performance (78.4 PFF grade, three sacks allowed) justified the deal, the uncertainty of his health and the Rams’ immediate signing of replacements suggest they may have underestimated the severity of his condition. If Jackson’s career is derailed, the contract could become a costly misstep, tying up cap space that could have been used to sign or trade for a better option at LT.
Will Jackson Miss Playing Time?
The Rams expect Jackson to play in 2025, but his availability for training camp, preseason, or the regular season opener remains uncertain. In 2022, his blood clots were diagnosed in November, ending his season after eight games. This time, the early detection in June 2025 gives him months to recover before the season kicks off in September. Treatment typically involves 3-6 months of anticoagulants, followed by a gradual return to activity, suggesting Jackson could be ready for Week 1 if his condition stabilizes.
However, complications or a cautious approach by the Rams’ medical staff could delay his return. Jackson already missed two games in 2024 due to a suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy and sat out Week 18 as the Rams rested starters. If he misses training camp or early-season games, Humphries or Quessenberry could step in and fill the void, or the Rams could rotate LT’s. The Rams’ run game, reliant on Jackson’s dominance alongside left guard Steve Avila, may also suffer, impacting Kyren Williams’ output.
Best-case scenario: Jackson returns for training camp, fully cleared, and resumes his role as the starting left tackle. Worst-case scenario: He misses significant time, requiring Humphries to start, and faces ongoing health monitoring that limits his snaps. The most likely outcome is a delayed start, with Jackson returning by midseason, splitting time with Humphries as the Rams ease him back.
Contract and Salary Cap Implications
Jackson’s three-year, $57 million contract, signed on February 28, 2025, includes $35 million guaranteed, locking him in through 2027. The deal was a coup for the Rams, securing a young, ascending tackle at a below-market rate compared to top tackles like Trent Williams ($23 million AAV). However, his blood clot diagnosis raises questions about the contract’s stability.
The Rams could release Jackson, but it’s unlikely due to his value and the structure of his contract. NFL contracts allow teams to release players with minimal notice, but guaranteed money complicates matters. Jackson’s $35 million in guarantees likely includes a signing bonus and guaranteed base salaries for 2025 and possibly 2026. Releasing him would trigger dead cap hits, eating into the Rams’ salary cap unless they designate him a post-June 1 cut to spread the cost over two years.
The Rams could place Jackson on the non-football injury (NFI) list if his clots are deemed unrelated to football, withholding his salary during recovery. However, his 2022 clots occurred during the season, suggesting a football-related origin, making NFI unlikely. If Jackson’s condition prevents him from playing long-term, the Rams could negotiate a medical retirement or injury settlement, but this would require mutual agreement and could still incur cap penalties.
Impact on the Rams’ 2025 Outlook
Jackson’s health crisis complicates the Rams’ goal of repeating as NFC West champions. The offensive line, which stabilized in 2024 with Jackson, Steve Avila, Beau Limmer, Kevin Dotson, and Havenstein, was a key to their 10-7 finish after a 1-4 start. His absence could disrupt the could the chemistry of the offensive line. Humphries, while experienced, is coming off an ACL tear and a hamstring injury, and his fit in Sean McVay’s scheme is unproven.
The Rams’ proactive signings show they’re preparing for worst-case scenarios, but Jackson’s recovery remains the linchpin. His partnership with Avila on the left side is one of the NFL’s best tackle-guard duos, and losing it could lower the team’s ceiling. For Kyren Williams, whose contract extension talks are ongoing, Jackson’s absence adds urgency to bolster pass protection, as Stafford’s safety is paramount.
Jackson’s Resilience and the Road Ahead
Alaric Jackson’s journey—from undrafted free agent to Super Bowl LVI champion to a $57 million cornerstone—embodies resilience. His vegan lifestyle, rooted in health and ethics, reflects his discipline, even as it faces scrutiny amid his medical challenges. The recurrence of blood clots is a daunting hurdle, but Jackson’s youth, prior recovery, and support from the Rams’ medical staff offer hope.
For now, the focus is on his health, not just his career. Blood clots are a serious condition, and the NFL has seen players like Jackson rebound with proper care. The Rams, with Humphries and depth options in place, are positioned to weather a temporary absence, but they’re banking on Jackson’s return to anchor their line. Whether he reclaims his starting role in 2025 or faces a longer road, Jackson’s story is one of perseverance, with the NFL world rooting for his recovery.
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