Rams hope reinforcements and resiliency can revive already-hurt offensive line against Cardinals

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Rams have had to completely reconfigure their offensive line because of injuries during the a 26-20 overtime loss to the Detroit Lions.

With a few days to process the situation and bring in reinforcements, the Rams (0-1) hope to be in better shape when they visit the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.

“I thought the guys did a great job of battling and trying to get through it,” said right tackle Rob Havenstein, who missed the season opener with an ankle injury. “There’s obviously some things to improve and get better at, but the guys out there battled. There was no letdown.”

Havenstein was limited Thursday, but he’s optimistic he can return to the starting lineup and begin his 10th season with the Rams this week.

“I feel good, I’m ready to play,” he said. “I just have to improve some technical aspects. Luckily it’s Thursday and we’re not playing tonight.”

Havenstein would be a welcome addition after the Rams lost left guard Steve Avila and swing tackle Joe Noteboom to knee and ankle injuries against the Lions. Both players were placed on injured reserve Wednesday..

Right guard Kevin Dotson injured his foot in Detroit and missed his second straight practice, putting his availability in question. Left tackle Alaric Jackson is scheduled to serve a two-game suspension this week.

Those absences have prompted the Rams to stock up on reinforcements this week. They signed rookie Dylan McMahon from the Philadelphia Eagles’ practice squad and free agent Geron Christian on Wednesday after bringing back 38-year-old Ty Nsekhe the day before.

McMahon, a sixth-round pick out of NC State, found out about his new destination late Monday night and has been working tirelessly since arriving in town to get up to speed.

“There’s some familiar faces in the locker room,” McMahon said. “There’s a good presence from NC State here, and just some of the guys I was involved with in the draft process, like (rookie center) Beaux (Limmer). I know Beaux just from the combine and the draft process and everything, so it’s been good. Everybody’s willing to help and learning the offense has been good.”

McMahon, who had a solid offseason in Philadelphia but found himself caught in a numbers crunch during roster cuts, wasn’t watching the game Sunday night when Rams head coach Sean McVay had to tear up his game plan as the bumps and bruises piled up.

McVay turned to quick passes and other means to help players like Limmer and practice squad call-up AJ Arcuri at tackle. It almost worked as the Rams scored 17 straight points in the second half to take a late lead.

As McMahon reviewed game footage this week, he said the level of preparation from the offensive line was remarkable.

“Ultimately, when things like this happen, you fall back on what you’ve done so far,” said McMahon, who will likely replace Limmer this week. “They were obviously prepared to deal with that kind of thing and they handled it very well.”

Offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur said players coming off the bench are just as responsible for production as strategic changes.

“The players are resilient. I’d like to think the coaches are, but the players are really resilient,” LaFleur said. “We have so much confidence in our players, and some of them have had the opportunity to show why we can trust them, why their teammates trust them.”

NOTES: Starting CB Cobie Durant (toe) missed practice for the second straight day.

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