The Los Angeles Rams could soon be facing a significant question along their offensive line. Starting left tackle Alaric Jackson was arrested this week on suspicion of felony domestic battery, an incident that could potentially trigger discipline under the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy. Jackson has already served a previous suspension during his NFL career, making the situation even more noteworthy as the league evaluates the matter.
While the Rams will undoubtedly hope Jackson remains available, the organization must prepare for the possibility that he misses games during the 2026 season. Protecting quarterback Matthew Stafford’s blind side remains one of the most important jobs on the roster and could significantly alter the course of the Rams season. A season with Super Bowl aspirations. Here are several candidates could emerge as potential replacements.
David Quessenberry
If the season began tomorrow, David Quessenberry may be the safest option. The veteran offensive tackle has started games throughout his NFL career and provides valuable experience in a room that could suddenly become very young.
Quessenberry lacks Jackson’s athletic upside, but he understands NFL pass protections and has seen nearly every defensive look imaginable. The Rams signed him to provide depth and insurance, and a Jackson suspension would immediately test that contingency plan. While Quessenberry may not be viewed as a long-term answer, he is arguably the most experienced replacement currently on the roster.
Quessenberry re-signed with the Rams this offseason to a 1-year deal.
Keagen Trost
Third-round pick Keagen Trost could become the most intriguing option. Trost arrived in Los Angeles after a standout collegiate career that included stops at Morgan State, Indiana State, Wake Forest, and Missouri. He earned First-Team All-SEC and All-American honors during his final college season before becoming a Day 2 draft selection.
The Rams drafted Trost because of his size, movement skills, and potential to develop into a starting tackle. Throwing a rookie into the lineup immediately would carry risk, but the organization may decide that his upside outweighs the growing pains. If Trost performs well in training camp and preseason action, he could force the coaching staff to consider him sooner rather than later.
Trost is currently under contract (4-year deal) with the team after signing in early May.
AJ Arcuri
A.J. Arcuri has quietly remained within the Rams organization for multiple seasons. Although he has spent much of his tenure developing behind established veterans, his familiarity with Sean McVay’s offense could work in his favor.
The coaching staff knows exactly what Arcuri can do and how he fits within their system. While he has yet to establish himself as a full-time starter, continuity and scheme knowledge often matter when injuries or suspensions force roster adjustments.
Arcuri is currently under contract by the Rams.
Joe Noteboom
One name that could immediately surface in conversations is Joe Noteboom. The former Rams lineman knows the offensive system, has experience at left tackle, and has protected Stafford before.
A reunion would make sense if Los Angeles prefers a veteran who can step in with minimal adjustment time. Noteboom’s versatility and familiarity with the franchise would likely make him one of the first free agents considered if Jackson’s situation creates a prolonged absence.
Noteboom is currently a free agent.
DJ Humphries
D.J. Humphries may represent the most “accomplished” option available. The former first-round pick has extensive starting experience at left tackle and already spent time with the Rams organization last season. Humphries even started at left tackle for Los Angeles late in the 2025 campaign when Jackson was unavailable.
The biggest question would be his current health and readiness, but from a pure experience standpoint, Humphries offers perhaps the highest floor of any external candidate.
Humphries is currently a free agent.
Joel Bitonio
Bitonio just announced his retirement on Tuesday morning. However, things change quickly in the NFL. Bitonio might be enticed to play one more year if it means chasing a ring. An opportunity he never got in Cleveland. Bitonio is currently a free agent after his contract with the Browns expired. He is making plenty of money as is contract with Cleveland included a 2026 void year.
The Rams coveted Bitonio back in 2019 but could not make a deal happen. Instead they traded for Austin Corbett. Maybe there could still be one more chance for the Rams and Bitonio.
Bitonio is currently a free agent but retired.
Prediction
The Rams would likely begin with an internal competition between Quessenberry, Trost, and Arcuri before exploring outside additions. However, if Jackson were suspended for an extended period, signing a veteran such as Noteboom or Humphries could become increasingly attractive.
The Rams may also look into trading for a player similar to what they did with Kevin Dotson in 2023. Left tackles are a little bit more difficult to acquire but it doesn’t hurt to scout what is out there for teams looking to rebuild.
Regardless of which option emerges, the Rams understand that replacing Jackson would be no small task. Since becoming the team’s starting left tackle, Jackson has developed into one of the cornerstones of the offensive line. If the NFL ultimately hands down discipline, Los Angeles will need one of these candidates to step forward and stabilize the most important position on the offensive front.
