Rams OT Joe Noteboom Taking Reps At Guard

Los Angeles Rams offensive lineman Joe Noteboom, who normally plays left tackle, has been seeing action at right guard throughout training camp

The Los Angeles Rams had a miserable season in 2022, in large part thanks to the collapse of the offensive line.

After losing future Hall of Fame left tackle Andrew Whitworth to retirement, the Rams' offensive line regressed and allowed 59 sacks on the season, third most in the league. The situation got even worse when the unit was ravaged by injuries. Most notably, Joe Noteboom, Whitworth's replacement at left tackle, suffered a season-ending torn Achilles in Week 6.

Ten months after his injury, Noteboom is back at full strength as the Rams prepare for their preseason opener on Saturday. With his return, though, Noteboom is trying something new. Specifically, the usual left tackle is taking snaps at right guard and has a shot at winning the starting job there.

"We want to be able to move him around and just figuring out kind of the best way to mix and match," Rams coach Sean McVay told reporters. "Joe's the guy that can kind of play inside and outside so it's one of those deals that we kind of had planned initially and he started at guard for us before. Whether or not he ends up doing that or playing tackle, we're still kind ofworking through that.”

As McVay said, Noteboom does have experience playing along the interior. He was the Rams starting left guard in 2019 and 2020, but injuries cut both seasons short. Across both seasons, Noteboom started 15 of the 16 games he played at left guard.

Of course, Noteboom is still taking his share of snaps at left tackle as well. McVay added that, due to Noteboom's versatility, he doesn't have a preference on where the lineman ends up.

"I think as long as... you'd like to be able to see him continue to earn his role with our team," McVay said. "We want to find the best five. But I think every one of those positions is incredibly valuable and really whatever we deem is the best fit for the five players at the two tackles, two guard spots and center. But I think Joe is a guy that can start at guard or tackle and he's played at a high level so players like him are very rare that have the ability to do that.”

Noteboom is entering his sixth NFL season, and with his injury struggles throughout his career, it will be a big one for him. Whether he stays at left tackle or moves to right guard, the Rams will be counting on him to perform.

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You can follow Jonathan Alfano on Twitter @JonAlfano_News

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