St. Louis Rams cut-down analysis/Wagoner

St. Louis Rams cut-down analysis
By Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/10922/st-louis-rams-cut-down-analysis-2

Most significant move: None of the Rams’ moves really registered much of a blip on the radar, though parting with defensive end Sammy Brown and safety Matt Daniels in this round might qualify as something of a surprise. Brown and Daniels have spent time on the active roster over the past two years, but both have had similar problems staying healthy. Daniels was once a core special-teams player, but he suffered season-ending injuries in each of his two seasons. Brown has shuttled between the practice squad and active roster but spent most of this camp watching from the sideline. It was seemingly inevitable that both would be released but maybe a mild surprise for it to happen during the first round of cuts.

Sam still here: It’s no surprise that defensive end Michael Sam made it past the first round of cuts given his draft status and production in the team’s first three preseason games. Sam and undrafted rookie lineman Ethan Westbrooks continue to wage one of the more intriguing battles for a roster spot. Both have made strong cases that they belong in the NFL. The question becomes whether the Rams have room to keep both or if they will have to make a difficult decision. At this point, it wouldn’t surprise to see another team claim either of them should they be exposed to the waiver wire. The Rams could theoretically keep 10 defensive linemen but would have to sacrifice at other spots. Injuries at cornerback and quarterback could also keep the Rams from going heavy elsewhere. Certainly, Sam and Westbrooks should get plenty of opportunities to make closing arguments Thursday night in Miami.

Rams’ cuts: CB Jarrid Bryant, P Bobby Cowan, OT R.J. Dill, WR Jordan Harris, LS Jorgen Hus, FB Kadeem Jones, LB Johnny Millard, WR T.J. Moe; OT D.J. Morrell, LB Pat Schiller (waived injured), S Matt Daniels, DE Sammy Brown

Quarterback Sam Bradford (knee) and center Demetrius Rhaney (knee) were placed on injured reserve. Last week, the Rams placed running back Isaiah Pead on injured reserve and did not replace him on the roster. That brings the total to 75.