Rams vs. Texans takeaways: Decision made on Stetson Bennett

Starting left tackle Alaric Jackson is suspended for the first two games for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy. Coupled with Garoppolo’s situation, that opens up two roster spots.

“Obviously, you want those guys to be available,” McVay said. “We anticipate those guys being factors for our football team, and they’ll be back in Week 3. But in the meantime, it does give us two extra spots.”

Right tackle Rob Havenstein has been sidelined since early in training camp because of an ankle injury. If Havenstein can play in the opener, veteran Joe Noteboom or McClendon, a second-year pro, will start at left tackle. Regardless, McClendon will start or play a swing tackle role.

That became obvious when McVay kept McClendon sidelined against the Texans.

AJ Arcuri started at left tackle, Conor McDermott at right tackle.