The Los Angeles Rams’ situation took an encouraging uptick on Thursday, with the team announcing encouraging roster news about veteran right tackle and Super Bowl champion Rob Havenstein.
Havenstein is one of six players from that Super Bowl team who are still on the roster heading into the 2025 NFC Championship Game against the Seattle Seahawks.
He is the last remaining St. Louis Ram on the current roster, too.
Rams Make Roster Decision Before NFC Championship Game
GettyRob Havenstein #79 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on during the game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Rams announced their “roster moves” with a post on X on January 22 that they “Designated for Return, Returned to Practice OL Rob Havenstein” in their lone adjustment on the day.
His return to the practice field drew attention.
“First practice day for him in a long time today,” The Athletic’s Nate Atkiins posted on X on January 22. “Not sure what his role will look like just yet, but the Rams could use an extra tackle for insurance either way.”
Havenstein, 33, played in seven games during the 2025 regular season, first missing Weeks 5 through 7, and then getting sidelined again in Week 12.
He has been on injured reserve ever since.
The Associated Press’ Greg Beacham posted that, after sitting out since Week 11 against the Seahawks, Havenstein “seems real unlikely to play this week, but if the Rams make the Super Bowl, who knows?”
“It was a long road. I had some challenging times, but that’s what this game is,” Havenstein said on Thursday, per Beacham. “I’m focused on what I can do each day back. Haven’t played football in a while in a real capacity, so I’m doing what I can to build, and we’ll see where the chips fall.”
Longest-Tenured Ram Could Be on Way Out
GettyRob Havenstein #79 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on against the San Francisco 49ers.
This season is critical, not only because the Rams are pushing for another Super Bowl berth, but also for Havenstein’s future with the organization looming large. He is in the final year of a three-year, $34.5 million contract.
Havenstein is on the Rams’ books for $6.9 million in 2026 due to void years on the back end of his current deal.
He has earned $71.4 million in his career.
The Rams have turned to 2023 fifth-round pick (No. 174 overall) Warren McClendon in Havenstein’s place, and there is an argument to be made for maintaining the status quo along the offensive line ahead of MVP-favorite QB Matthew Stafford.
However, the Rams got starting right guard Kevin Dotson back from a multi-week absence in time for the Divisional Round against the Chicago Bears and plugged him back into the lineup.
Havenstein may have started, and possibly even played, his final game for the Rams.
Rams Get Good Roster News Before NFC Championship Game
GettyByron Young #0 of the Los Angeles Rams reacts against the Baltimore Ravens.
Havenstein’s return was just one of several promising developments for the Rams on the practice field on Thursday.
The Rams listed five players on their second report of the week, including Havenstein.
Additionally, the Rams listed cornerback Emmanuel Forbes (shoulder), outside linebackers Byron Young (knee) and Josiah Stewart (knee), and safety Quentin Lake (illness) on their injury report.
Lake returned to practice after missing Wednesday’s session. Forbes (limited) and Stewart (full) both maintained their level of participation for the second straight day.
Young has not practiced this week, but Rams head coach Sean McVay suggested it is just rest.
The Rams are heading to a place where they suffered one of their five losses during the regular season. They lost that game by 1 point in overtime. Even if Havenstein takes a backup role in his potential return to the active roster, the Rams need all the help they can get.
Rams Make Roster Move on $71 Million Super Bowl Champion