The Los Angeles Rams are coming off a solid win in the preseason opener and are hoping to replicate that performance heading into Saturday against the New Orleans Saints.
While there is some positive momentum on the field, there has been some tough news on the injury front, with rookie offensive tackle Keagen Trost set to be out for multiple weeks due to a hamstring injury. However, there are some positive updates for tight end Davis Allen (quad injury) and offensive lineman Justin Dedich (hand injury).
According to head coach Sean McVay , Dedich will be doing something different with the athletic trainers, which sounds like he will put a cast on his hand to participate, and the Rams will see how he feels.
If Dedich does feel good, he would be removed from the NFI (Non-Football Injury list), but McVay did say that it is predicated on the next week and how Dedich looks.
For Allen, McVay said that he is making good progress and should be back next week. McVay also noted that the tight end should be good to go for Week 1 in Australia against the San Francisco 49ers.
As the Rams head into the second week of the preseason, the updates on Allen and Dedich seem to be trending in the right direction, which should give Los Angeles some solid depth pieces as the regular season gets closer.
Starting with Dedich, if he can progress and be available for Week 1, that would be great development for the Rams, who are still awaiting a decision from the NFL on whether or not left tackle Alaric Jackson will be suspended due to his offseason arrest.
With Dedich potentially back in the lineup for the start of the season, he would provide some solid depth, especially since Trost could be out as well due to his hamstring injury.
Standing at 6-2 and 296 pounds, Decich has the ability to move across the interior of the offensive line, but if Trost is not ready to return, the Rams may need to find another option for depth at tackle.
Now, looking at Allen, he has become a consistent piece for McVay in the tight end room as a reliable blocker but also as a solid receiver in the passing game. In 2025, Allen totaled 24 receptions for 208 yards and three touchdowns and was someone that quarterback Matthew Stafford could rely on.
In terms of depth at tight end, the Rams have a great rotation, as they have Colby Parkinson, Tyler Higbee, Terrance Ferguson, and Max Klare, in addition to Allen. When Allen does return, it will be interesting to monitor how he affects the depth.
If Allen is back for Week 1, that will give McVay and offensive coordinator Nathan Scheelhaase great flexibility in play-calling, as with five tight ends, the Rams can come out in 11, 12, or 13 personnel and put the 49ers in difficult situations all game long.
At this point, Dedich and Allen are not back just yet, but as McVay said, both of them seem to be making solid progress, and if they are back for the start of the season, this Rams team will gain solid depth as they prepare to take on the 49ers in Australia.
