Quick working his way back into receiving mix for Rams

Quick working his way back into receiving mix for Rams

NORM SANDERS

http://www.bnd.com/sports/nfl/st-louis-rams/article36351174.html

When the media isn’t trying to pin St. Louis Rams coach Jeff Fisher down on the debut of rookie running back Todd Gurley, another popular question is the status of wide receiver Brian Quick.

Quick, coming off shoulder surgery that shortened his 2014 season, has been inactive for each of the first two games. The Rams’ passing attack had much more success in the season-opening overtime win over Seattle than it did Sunday in the loss to Washington, but a healthy Quick would definitely provide another viable weapon.

“He just needs to keep practicing. Just be patient,” Fisher said Wednesday. “He understands that we have to go to 46 (players) and it’s a numbers game. He’s in much better shape right now than he was a few weeks ago, so it’s nothing structurally or physically to do with his shoulder at this point.”

Quick agreed, saying he has been at 100 percent for two months. The 2012 second-round pick out of Appalachian State was well on his way to a breakout season a year ago before suffering a shoulder injury Oct. 26 against Kansas City that required season-ending surgery.

Quick still set new career highs with 25 catches for 375 yards and three touchdowns and now is eager to work his way back into the lineup.

“It’s just being patient and preparing out there every day,” Quick said. “I’m going to be ready whenever the time comes.”

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Fisher isn’t ready to put a timetable on when that will be.

“It’s like anybody that’s missed a significant part of the offseason program and was limited in training camp, you’re going to be a little bit behind,” Fisher said. “That’s his only issue. So I’d like to think he’s caught up by this point.”

Throughout training camp, Quick wore a yellow “no contact” hat over his helmet, another sign that he might be a not quite ready for prime-time player.

The current wide receiver group includes Kenny Britt (four catches, 81 yards, one TD), Stedman Bailey (four catches, 58 yards), Tavon Austin (three catches, four yards), Chris Givens (one catch seven yards) and special teams ace Bradley Marquez.

Rams quarterback Nick Foles’ top receiver has been tight end Jared Cook, who has 10 catches for 132 yards. Cook led the Rams with 52 receptions a year ago.

“I missed a lot last year,” Quick said. “I’ve still got to get in the flow of things. I did camp. but I did it with the yellow hat and the defense wasn’t able to tackle me or give me any contact.”

Rams offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti didn’t shed any further light on Quick’s situation.

“You look at him going through individual and all the group work. ‘Quickie’s’ made strides,” Cignetti said. “He’s doing a really nice job out there.”