Steve Avila's return timeline still TBD but 'he's making good progress'

Steve Avila was poised for a breakout year in 2024 after playing every snap as a rookie last season but the Rams’ young lineman suffered a knee injury in Week 1 and has been out ever since. He’s one of the many players on injured reserve and while he’s technically eligible to return in Week 7, there’s no indication he’ll be back for that game against the Raiders.

He underwent surgery to repair his MCL and the estimated timeline was six weeks, but Sean McVay still doesn’t know when Avila will be back on the field. He did say it’ll probably be at least another couple of weeks until Avila is available again, though.

“He’s doing well. I saw Steve in the team meeting today,” McVay said Monday. “I’m not exactly sure what his timeline for return is, but he’s making good progress. He looks good and I know he’s done a great job with Reggie and his group so far.”

Avila opened the year as the Rams’ starting left guard, with Jonah Jackson taking over at center. Avila will presumably stay at left guard when he does return, keeping Beaux Limmer at center until Jonah Jackson comes back, but there’s also a possibility he plays center if the Rams feel better about Logan Bruss at left guard.

With no firm timeline right now, the Rams have to proceed with the combination of Bruss and Limmer on the interior.