The Los Angeles Rams, already relatively thin at offensive line, suffered a brutal blow in their preseason opener against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Keagen Trost, the team’s third-round pick out of Missouri, left the game early with a hamstring injury.
By all accounts, Trust has been a star in training camp, shining and helping build confidence in the team’s offensive line depth.
The Rams did not provide any immiedate information on Trost’s status, simply ruling him out of the game.
LA tends to do well stacking up on offensive linemen in the middle parts of the NFL Draft and letting them develop in the background.
Trost had been playing at both the left tackle and right tackle positions, building a role as a backup swingman who can cover either of Matthew Stafford’s sides.
If he misses time, the Rams will lack a rotational piece who can get valuable experience.
How valuable is Trost to the Rams?
During NFL Training Camp, Trost earned high praise from his head coach, Sean McVay.
“It doesn’t seem too big for him. He seems real steady, secure to be able to take coaching. You see the agility and the flexibility to be able to play on the right and left sides of the line,” McVay said.
“You’re either sinking or swimming and he’s doing a good job keeping his head above water. He’s got a lot of great guys to learn from in that room.”
McVay’s zone run scheme relies on offensive linemen moving well and blocking in space, while also preparing for advanced blocking schemes involving pulling and double-teaming defenders.
Trot already getting McVay’s attention is a big marker of his potential on a team that may be facing a suspension to one of its starting tackles, Alaric Jackson.
Before leaving Saturday’s game, Trost looked good as well, showing his training camp hype was merited. He is an older rookie, already 25, but his experience puts him in a good spot to contribute.
Hopefully, the hamstring injury does not stop him from delivering early in his career.
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