Joe Noteboom missed about a week of practice with an undisclosed injury, raising some questions about what was going on with the veteran lineman. Sean McVay has still not said what Noteboom was dealing with, only saying it wasn’t related to his Achilles tear from last season, but Noteboom is healthy again and ready to compete at right guard.
Though he’s not currently penciled in as a starting offensive lineman, Noteboom has the ability to play left tackle and right guard if needed. And while his injury came at a terrible time with the preseason winding down, Noteboom says he’s “100 percent now,” according to The Athletic.
Like McVay, Noteboom didn’t share any details about the injury but did say it was “really small, kind of a maintenance thing.”
As for his transition to right guard, which is where he’ll primarily be competing, he’s getting much more comfortable there – especially having played left guard in the past.
“Anyone that has played (will) say switching sides isn’t easy,” he said. “That’s why I’m doing (those reps) over and over and over again every day. At this point, it feels comfortable now. At the end of the day it is just flipped. Same footwork and technique (as left guard), just flipped. Takes the body a little time to adjust, but I feel 100 percent comfortable at it now.”
The Rams acquired Kevin Dotson in a trade with the Steelers on Sunday, adding some more depth to the offensive line, specifically at guard. That may complicate things for Noteboom a bit, but he’s still expected to make the 53-man roster unless a surprise trade happens.
Noteboom might be the Rams’ highest-paid offensive lineman but they’re not going to start him just based on that. They’re truly looking for their five best players up front, and if he’s not among them, so be it.
[lawrence-auto-related count=3]