Rams fear torn achilles for LT Joe Noteboom

Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports that further testing will be done. If the initial diagnosis is confirmed, however, Noteboom will be out for the remainder of the season. That would mark yet another major blow to the Rams’ offensive line, one which has been ravaged by injuries in 2022.

The defending champions have been forced to delve much further down the depth chart than they would have thought or hoped entering the season. The center and right guard positions in particular have been in considerable flux. Brian Allen, David Edwards and Coleman Shelton should be able to return at various points later in the campaign to help reinforce the interior offensive front, but Logan Bruss and Tremayne Anchrum have already been lost for the year.

Noteboom, 27, re-signed on a three-year deal this offseason. That move cemented his status as the successor to Andrew Whitworth on the blindside after he spent the past two years backing up the now retired All-Pro. His first campaign as an undisputed first-teamer has seen the former third-rounder struggle in pass protection, however. Five sacks and 23 pressures allowed entering today’s game contributed to Noteboom’s 65.8 PFF grade, and the overall woes of the offensive line in general.

The Rams have surrendered 22 sacks (tied for the second-most in the NFL) through six games this season, as the team deals with the absence of Whitworth and the mounting injuries. They have a bye upcoming to ascertain Noteboom’s status and attempt to return to a healthier position on the line, but it appears he will need replacing for the remainder of the campaign.