The Los Angeles Rams held their first practice at their new temporary facility in Woodland Hills on Monday, but linebacker Ernest Jones IV was noticeably absent.

Jones, a team captain and the defensive signal-caller, is in the final year of his rookie contract. The Rams have given his representatives permission to explore a trade and new contract with other teams.

Coach Sean McVay confirmed that Jones did not request a trade, but the team is open to discussing a deal. “We’ve had communication with his representation, there’s been some dialogue with teams, and that’s kind of where it’s at,” McVay said.

Jones’ absence raises questions about the Rams’ defensive strategy, particularly with the loss of star defensive tackle Aaron Donald. Jones was expected to be a key player in the defense under new coordinator Chris Shula.

McVay praised Jones as “a pro’s pro in every sense of the word,” but the team appears to be moving on. “These are parts of the profession,” McVay said. “They’re not fun parts, but they are real parts that you have to acknowledge.”

Other inside linebackers on the roster include Christian Rozeboom, Jacob Hummel, Troy Reeder, and rookie Omar Speights. The team must trim its roster to 53 players by Tuesday at 1 p.m. PDT.

The Rams’ defense will need to adjust without Jones, who was a key player in their defensive strategy. McVay said the team would have to “see exactly which direction this thing ends up” before discussing how they would compensate for Jones’ departure.

Quarterback Stetson Bennett was also absent from practice on Monday, as he was “tending to a family issue,” according to McVay. Bennett is expected to be back at practice on Wednesday.

Left tackle Alaric Jackson, who was suspended for the first two games of the season for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy, participated in individual drills on Monday. Receiver Puka Nacua and cornerback Darious Williams also returned to practice after suffering injuries during training camp.

McVay declined to specify why Jackson was suspended, saying only that the team was aware of the league’s evaluation but did not know there would be a suspension until last week.

The Rams face the Detroit Lions on September 8 in their season opener. With Jones’ status uncertain and Jackson suspended, the team will need to adjust their strategy to compensate for the losses.