Robert Quinn on road to recovery after back surgery

Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/25755/robert-quinn-on-road-to-recovery-after-back-surgery

EARTH CITY, Mo. — St. Louis Rams defensive end Robert Quinn has made a career of giving opposing quarterbacks a view of the ceiling.

So the irony isn’t lost on him that as he recovers from back surgery, Quinn’s growing used to that same position.

“I’m able to walk so I’m all right,” Quinn said. “I guess I’ll just look at the stars and relax, myself. [There’s] no [current] plan besides rest, just kick my feet up.”

Quinn’s 2015 season was the first abbreviated one in his five-year NFL career. He played in just eight games, though three of those came after he first started having the injury issues that would ultimately end his season. He finished with 21 tackles, five sacks and three forced fumbles and his absence as an edge rusher was undoubtedly a big blow to a defense that at one point had a legitimate shot to finish as a top-five unit.

According to Quinn, the variety of ailments he dealt with during the season left him searching for answers as he attempted to play through the pain. His issues were first noticeable during the team’s Week 6 bye, when he did not practice. In the weeks that followed, he showed up on the injury report with knee and hip problems before his back eventually got the better of him.

“I didn’t realize what it was until we really figured it out,” Quinn said. “I just thought I was getting old or slow or something. After time, I realized that my get-off didn’t seem as fast as it used to be, and of course we had other problems. It’s a frustrating situation that I technically never had [a football injury]. So it’s frustrating, but what can I do besides prepare for another run at it next year?”

And though Quinn wouldn’t describe the exact nature of the back injury, he said whatever it was yielded issues in his leg that were immediately solved by the surgery he had a few weeks ago.

“I’m able to get around, sit down more comfortable,” Quinn said. “It’s a lot of relief. It sucked the way it ended and just jumped on me, but I’ll deal with it and move on to next year.”

As with most back surgeries, it’s going to take some recovery time before Quinn is cleared to begin strenuous activities. As of this week, Quinn is still in the rest phase of his rehabilitation, which means no lifting weights or running, and a whole lot of relaxation.

Quinn doesn’t know when he will be cleared to do those things again and hinted that he’d miss a chunk of the offseason program, which usually begins in mid-April.

“You have got to talk to the trainers,” Quinn said. “I just listen to them. Whatever they tell me to do, I just follow their lead. Whenever they tell me I can go, I guess they’ll cut me loose.”

Practice Report 1/1: Gurley Doubtful for Season Finale

Myles Simmons

http://www.stlouisrams.com/news-and-events/article-practicereport/Practice-Report-11-Gurley-Doubtful-for-Season-Finale/afd3106a-e1f1-4248-b43f-2496b2359b41

NAPA, Calif. — Like all teams, the Rams have suffered their share of injuries throughout the season. But one from this week will be particularly significant, as it looks like running back Todd Gurley may not play in the season finale against the 49ers with a foot injury.

“We’ve listed Todd today as doubtful, so you can read between the lines there,” Fisher said. “We’re just thinking about the long-term future. He’s got an issue he’s dealing with, and we’re still doing tests. But the difference between him playing and making things worse can be the difference between six-to-eight weeks of rehab during the offseason.”

If Gurley has indeed played his last snap of the 2015 season, he’ll have reached a number of milestones in only 12 starts. He’s rushed for 1,106 yards and 10 touchdowns in 13 total games, including five games of at least 125 yards rushing, and three with at least 140. With his rushing touchdown last week, he joined Eric Dickerson as the second running back in franchise history to rush for at least 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns.

What makes Gurley’s season all the more remarkable is how that he didn’t move into the starting lineup until Week 4 and was coming off a torn ACL. Because of the injury, Fisher said he thinks the running back should be even better in 2016.

“As I said early on when he got started, just wait another year. He’s not 100 percent,” Fisher said. “He’s had a little setback with the foot, so I just don’t want to set him back any more. It just makes sense for the organization, the future of the organization.”

And so Gurley should be fine with a few weeks of rest. Keeping him on the sidelines this week should allow him to not suffer any setbacks and go into the offseason strong.

“Right now we’ve got really good news, and good results, but it’s doubtful that he plays,” Fisher said. “It’s rest for a couple of weeks, and he’ll be fine.”

If there is a silver lining to Gurley’s injury, it’s that running back Tre Mason should get a chance to show his considerable skill set against the 49ers.

“It’s a blessing to be able to start again,” Mason said. “I wish ‘TG’ was out there with me to give us some more power, but I’m willing to take on the role.”

Fisher said the initial plan this season was to balance the carries between Gurley and Mason much more. But, because of the general lack of offensive production, that did not work out.

“Unfortunately, if you look back through the year, our perfect world was 15 and 12 carries apiece [for Gurley and Mason],” Fisher said. “We wanted to carry at least 25 times, 27 times, and split them. We were unable to do that because we just struggled either getting the ball back, or struggled on third down, struggled with opportunities.”

“When you love the game, I know I put my teammates first,” Mason said. “Whatever’s going to put my team first, we’ve got to do it.”

Last year, Mason led the Rams with 765 yards rushing as a rookie, also making 16 receptions for 148 yards. He dealt with a hamstring injury early in the season, which kept him out of the Week 1 matchup with Seattle and may have hampered some early production. But the Auburn product still has confidence he can play.

“I’m a positive person,” Mason said. “I always think positive and just try to be great.”

And while his season has not been what he’d hoped, Mason said he’s enjoyed watching his teammate Gurley have his success.

“We learn from each other,” Mason said. “We take things from each other’s game. We criticize each other’s game to help each other get better.”

If he gets the opportunity, Mason plans to make the most of it against the Niners to cap the season.

“Tre’s in great shape right now,” Fisher said. “He’s fresh and he’ll go.”

“I feel like we’ve got a good plan this week, and we’re ready to attack,” Mason said.

“I love the game,” Mason added, “so every time I step foot out there it’s like I’m playing my last game.”

ROSTER MOVES & INJURY REPORT

The Rams have made another roster move in advance of Sunday’s matchup with San Francisco. Cornerback Eric Patterson has been placed on injured reserve, and the Rams promoted wide receiver Nick Toon to the active roster.

On Thursday, the club claimed cornerback Troy Hill, who arrived in Napa on Friday. Fisher said the Rams became intrigued with the defensive back when they went to work out quarterback Marcus Mariota in the pre-draft process.

“We had worked him out in Eugene when we went out to visit Mariota, and he had a really good workout,” Fisher said of Hill. “Coaches liked him, and for some reason he was waived yesterday [on Thursday], so we thought, let’s take advantage of the opportunity. So, we’ll have him in the offseason program.”

While Hill is with the team, Fisher said it’s likely the corner will be inactive on Sunday given the timing of his arrival.

Elsewhere on the injury report, safety Mark Barron (concussion), defensive lineman Ethan Westbrooks (concussion), and defensive tackle Michael Brockers (thigh) are all probable. Offensive lineman Andrew Donnal (knee) is questionable. And, as previously mentioned, Gurley (foot) is doubtful for Sunday.

Boras taking nothing for granted in new duties

Jim Thomas

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/boras-taking-nothing-for-granted-in-new-duties/article_22c67d5b-f8d3-5bb4-9ca5-a80bfa488d01.html

NAPA, CALIF. • It may seem that Rob Boras is getting more comfortable as each game — and each victory — goes by. But the Rams’ new offensive coordinator says he’s far from relaxed in his new duties.

“I mean, it’s a day-to-day world,” Boras said. “That’s just kind of the way I’m wired a little bit. I mean, it’s getting maybe a little easier because the entire offensive staff and the players have stepped up, but it’s still pretty nerve-wracking.”

Boras had held the dual title of assistant head coach/offense and tight ends coach until Dec. 7, when coach Jeff Fisher fired offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti and replaced him with Boras.

Boras also is taking nothing for granted as far as the offensive coordinator post growing into a permanent position for him with the Rams.

“I’m a tight ends coach that’s getting to call some plays right now,” Boras said. “We’re just going about it as if that’s what it is. We can only control what we can control and right now, this is what Coach (Fisher) has asked us to do and we’re doing it and having fun doing it. Whatever happens, happens.”

The Rams are 3-0 since Boras took the reins of the offense, with victories over Detroit, Tampa Bay and, most notably, Seattle. It’s not as if the Rams have been lighting up scoreboards under Boras, but the offense certainly has been more efficient and less mistake-prone since he took over. And of course there’s no substitute for success.

When asked if he’s being judged differently now that he’s calling plays, Boras said: “I haven’t really thought about it that way. It’s just the accountability of it all. You just feel like there’s a lot of people in the entire organization kind of depending on you.

“You probably shouldn’t look at it that way, but you don’t want to disappoint anybody and you want to have success.”

When told that Boras doesn’t feel like he’s auditioning for the job, Fisher replied: “Then I don’t. either. Right now, he’s running the offense and he’s 3-0 since he took over, so it’s a good thing.”
INJURY UPDATE

Of the three Rams players who didn’t finish the Seattle game after being checked for concussion symptoms, defensive end Ethan Westbrooks returned to practice on a limited basis Wednesday. Linebacker-safety Mark Barron and defensive tackle Nick Fairley did not practice, but Fisher expects all three to be available against the 49ers.

“They’re all getting better,” Fisher said. “They’re all passing their tests. … Overall, I would think that the concussion issues that we had should all be behind us before the week is over.”

A new addition to the injury report was running back Todd Gurley, who was listed with a foot injury and did not practice Wednesday. Fisher wasn’t as definitive on Gurley’s status for San Francisco.

“We left him back at the hotel,” Fisher said. “He’s getting some treatment on his foot and we’ll see where he is.”

The rest of the injury report was as follows: defensive tackle Doug Worthington (thigh) did not practice. Listed as limited were defensive tackle Michael Brockers (thigh), cornerback Eric Patterson (ankle) and guard-tackle Andrew Donnal (knee).

In addition, linebacker Alec Ogletree (leg) did some work on the side and may do some scout team work Thursday. But Fisher said it’s “very unlikely” Ogletree plays against San Francisco. Ogletree has been sidelined since suffering the injury Oct. 4 in Arizona.
RAM-BLINGS

As a result of his clutch fourth-quarter touchdown run against Seattle, Gurley has been nominated for the NFL’s Castrol Edge Clutch Performer of the week. Fans can vote for Gurley or any of this week’s other nominees at http://www.nfl.com/castrol-edge.

• Addie Morris of Columbia, Mo., and Quinn Zerjal of Fairview Heights will represent the Rams in Saturday’s NFL Punt, Pass, and Kick national championships in Indianapolis.

• Even though it’s a game featuring two NFC teams, Sunday’s Rams-49ers game will be televised by CBS (KMOV, Channel 4) in St. Louis. Tom McCarthy has the play-by-play duties, with former Rams safety Adam Archuleta serving as analyst.

• A pair of former Rams draft picks were signed to practice squads Wednesday: running back Daryl Richardson by Cleveland and cornerback Brandon McGee by Dallas

zn wrote:

After Further Review: Why Aaron Donald is better than Watt right now

PETE PRISCO

That’s a great read.

That is, if you’re like me and can’t get enough Aaron Donald talk.

.

And yet there’s more…

—

Practice Report 12/24: Donald Making Case for DPOY

Myles Simmons

http://www.stlouisrams.com/news-and-events/article-practicereport/Practice-Report-1224-Donald-Making-Case-for-DPOY/9359b9e8-db72-486d-996f-2d9261ef1590

With the season heading toward its finish, voters will have their annual opportunity to bestow awards on deserving players throughout the league. As he did last year, defensive tackle Aaron Donald has performed well enough to have his name mentioned as a candidate for one such award.

In 2014, it was Defensive Rookie of the Year — an honor he won after recording 9.0 sacks and 17 tackles for loss. Now, Donald has elevated his game enough to become a candidate for Defensive Player of the Year.

Through 14 games, Donald has a team-high 11.0 sacks and 21 tackles for loss, with 35 quarterback pressures, 22 quarterback hits, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. Two weeks ago against Detroit, the defensive tackle recorded a “hat trick” with three sacks of QB Matthew Stafford, which pushed him to the NFL’s top spot among DTs for sacks.

Bring the DPOY topic up to Donald, though, and he deflects. If you know anything about the young defensive tackle, that’s no surprise.

“It’s a blessing to be talked about with that, but we have a lot more football left,” Donald said this week. “We have two more games and we have to finish up strong.”

That, however, doesn’t stop his teammates and coaches from addressing the topic with well-earned superlatives.

“I think there’s a case that he’s the best defensive player in the NFL,” defensive end Chris Long said. “There’s going to be some people who’ll tell you otherwise, but you watch the film, it’s not just the stats — it’s about destroying every play. Seven out of 10 plays he’s doing something to mess the whole thing up. He’s, on a constant basis, making people look silly. I could go on for a while why I think that, and I don’t think it’s unreasonable to think that. It’s kind of off limits right now to say anyone’s better than J.J. [Watt], but I think he’s in that conversation.”

“He’s disruptive nearly every play,” linebacker James Laurinaitis said. “Everyone wants to look at just the stats a lot of the time, but if you watch the tape, there’s so many QB hits that he’s a part of on plays that are out routes and screens. And if he doesn’t make a [tackle for loss], he’s making the running back avoid what he wants to do and bubble back and somebody else is getting it.

“If I had a vote — which, obviously, I don’t — but if I did,” Laurinaitis continued, “he would have my vote.”

Among Donald’s many attributes, defensive coordinator Gregg Williams praised the young DT’s ability to play both inside and outside on the defensive line. As the season has gone on, the Rams have lined up Donald not only between the guard and tackle as a three technique, but also head up on the center as a nose tackle, and even as a defensive end in some situations.

“I’m very happy I get a chance to coach him. He’s as dominant as any inside player there is in the league,” Williams said. “He can play inside and outside. You’ve seen us move him to the outside position, too. He’s very movable. He’s a great kid and I think he can be in those [DPOY] conversations, yes I do. Again, I’m biased on that. I like him a lot, but production warrants him to be considered.”

That Donald’s production has only increased this year is no surprise to those who have gotten to know him in St. Louis.

“I think he’s been elite since he got here,” Long said. “He just continues to fine tune what he does. I’ve never seen anyone more pro ready than when he got to the NFL. He was playing like a grown man from Day 1. Credit his work ethic for fine tuning it, but he was ready for this.”

“I think a lot of times, rookie year, you go out there and you’re searching early to figure out, ‘Hey, can I play at this level?’ And then when you figure out that you can, you kind of settle in,” Laurinaitis said. “But the good thing about Aaron is that he’s so humble and so driven, there was no sophomore slump with him. A lot of guys, you’ll see they come back out of shape or they believe their own hype and they don’t really work as hard, aren’t as motivated as they were to go into that rookie year — that draft and prove himself. Aaron’s been almost more motivated wanting to back it up. And I think he’s done that.”

There’s a bevy of evidence for Donald’s well-known work ethic, and one anecdote came from Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin before the Rams’ Week 3 matchup with his club. As a Pittsburgh native and University of Pittsburgh attendee, Donald spends plenty of time in the city over the offseason. And with the Pitt and Steelers facilities so close, Tomlin was able to see just how dedicated Donald is to improving his craft.

“He’s just a ridiculous worker,” Tomlin said in September. “I was in this past winter — it was a week after the Pro Bowl and I saw him in that parking lot every morning because he was coming over to get his work like he normally does at the University of Pittsburgh. I saw him just about every morning in February when a lot of guys are on beaches and vacationing, this guy was getting out of his car at 6:30 in the morning to work out. That’s not out of character based on the things that I know about him.”

Clearly, the hard work in February has paid off throughout the year. Donald said he’s feeling more comfortable in his second year, with more tools in his arsenal in order to make plays.

“From rushing the passer to stopping the run, I just feel a lot more comfortable out there,” Donald said. “I have more rushes in my book now, just playing good, and I have good guys around me to help with that.”

Donald’s skill is especially apparent when he seems to make the big plays at key times. For instance, on Dec. 17 against Tampa Bay, Donald blew past left guard Logan Mankins en route to stuffing running back Doug Martin for a two-yard loss on 4th-and-1 at the St. Louis 23-yard line.

“Logan Mankins might be one of the top-two guards I’ve ever played against — a physical guy,” Laurinaitis said. “And the way [Donald] uses that natural leverage, because he’s short and he’s super strong — he just bull rushed [Mankins] back and tossed him aside. It’s really impressive.”

“The better players I’ve ever been around have been able to rise to the occasion and without an awful lot of talking about that. When he came in the door, he could do that,” Williams said. “He’s looking to make plays all of the time, but he understands the special situations of the game. And he rises to those occasions.”

It’s plays like those that show off Donald’s supreme skill set. And that’s part of why whatever comparison someone throws out for him may not be so lofty.

“His change of direction, his start-stop, it’s uncanny,” Laurinaitis said. “I think that mixed with his strength and, like I said, his natural leverage — he’s got that Warren Sapp quickness but he’s super strong. For being how small he is, you think double teams [would get him], but no. He’s so stout. And, goodness, his hand strength is unbelievable.”

Whether that’s enough to earn Donald the Defensive Player of the Year award remains to be seen. But if nothing else, he should be a candidate for the honor not just this season, but also for years to come.

INJURY REPORT

The Rams had another light injury report on Thursday, but there were a couple changes. Lamarcus Joyner (back) was limited in practice on Wednesday, but did not participate on Thursday. Wide receiver Bradley Marquez (knee) was limited on Wednesday, but a full participant on Thursday. Offensive lineman Andrew Donnal (knee) and cornerback Eric Patterson (ankle) did not practice once again.

HEADING TO NAPA

With two weeks in a row in the Pacific time zone, the Rams will stay out west after facing the Seahawks for their practice week in preparation for the 49ers.

“The schedule makers put us in Seattle and then in San Francisco, so rather than going all the way to Seattle, then coming back, then going back out to San Francisco, we started making those plans months ago,” head coach Jeff Fisher said Thursday. “And we’re prepared to go out there and have a good week of practice.”

The Rams will be holding their practice sessions for the week at the Raiders training facility in Napa, Calif.

“We’ve done all our research,” Fisher said. “It’s more than adequate. It’ll be a good week of practice.”

Carroll thinks WR Doug Baldwin (hamstring) will be able to play, though may be game-time decision; Okung questionable

http://www.thenewstribune.com/sports/nfl/seattle-seahawks/seahawks-insider-blog/article51558990.html#storylink=cpy

Merry Christmas to everyone.

The Seahawks finished Christmas Eve practice. They will have a later one on Christmas Day so players with children can spend the morning around the tree with them. Yes, coach Pete Carroll confirmed his boomin’ sound system that usually bumps rap music throughout practices has been mixing in holiday music, too.

Carroll even wished those literally close to him Merry Christmas following Thursday’s practice.

As for the business at hand, Sunday’s home game against St. Louis, Carroll said the team expects white-hot wide receiver Doug Baldwin to be OK to play –though that may end up being a game-time decision. A hamstring issue has caused Baldwin to miss the last two days of practice.

The coach inferred the injury is a cumulative-effect one and not the result of a specific play or tweak.

“He’s had a lot of work lately,” Carroll said.

Baldwin is tied with Cris Carter and Calvin Johnson for an NFL record of four consecutive games of two touchdown receptions.

Carroll sounded less optimistic about left tackle Russell Okung and his strained calf, saying he will likely be questionable for the Rams game when the injury report comes out Friday. Alvin Bailey would start if Okung can’t.

The coach coyly said we will all find out Sunday if DeShawn Shead or Jeremy Lane starts at right cornerback.

“Both are ready,” Carroll said.

Lane, usually the nickel back inside, replaced Shead after Shead gave up a third-down catch on the opening drive last weekend against Cleveland. Shead was coming off a sprained ankle that Carroll said is healed.

Kam Chancellor also sounds iffy at best to play Sunday. Kelcie McCray would for the second straight week if Chancellor can’t.

Practice Report 12/22: Keenum Preparing for Seattle Challenge

Myles Simmons

http://www.stlouisrams.com/news-and-events/article-practicereport/Practice-Report-1222-Keenum-Preparing-for-Seattle-Challenge/58b17249-c56b-494a-bb54-2cae84c984d6

Quarterback Case Keenum has gone through plenty of ups and downs in his first few seasons in the NFL. But he may not have played better in a victory than he did last week against Tampa Bay.

The quarterback was efficient, completing 14 of his 17 passes for 234 yards and two touchdowns. That’s 13.76 yards per attempt, and a quarterback rating of 158.0 — just three tenths away from perfect.

Rob Boras said Tuesday he thought Keenum played outstanding in the coach’s second game since assuming the duties of offensive coordinator.

“I’m not sure what his numbers were, but the ball was complete. When it wasn’t there, he was smart and didn’t force it,” Boras said. “The whole offensive across the board — guys stepped up and it’s been that way, really, for the last two weeks.”

The more he plays, the more comfortable Keenum’s looked on the field. It’s a correlation that makes sense given the difficult nature of playing QB in the NFL.

“Game experience, especially at the quarterback position, is priceless in this league. You have to learn from it,” Keenum said. “You have to get better, and you’re going to go through tough times. It’s not a perfect science. Obviously, some guys have it figured out better than others and have had a lot more success. You try to take stuff from them and how they do the game, how they play the game, how they prepare, and you try to fit it to your own game and what works for you.”

“I hope he’s feeling more comfortable,” Boras said. “I don’t think the gameplan should take credit. It was a short week. He just believed what he saw. That’s what he kept telling himself, ‘I’m not going to overthink it. I’m going to see what I see, and I’m going to believe it and let it go.’ He did that.”

It looks like everything is coming together as Keenum has won both starts since getting back into the starting lineup. In his last two games, the Houston product has completed 71.8 percent of his passes for 358 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. That’s good enough for a 106.6 rating and 9.18 yards per attempt.

“I’ve always concentrated on getting better,” Keenum said. “That’s what being a veteran is about, is accumulating experience and experience is priceless. It’s just a matter of keeping battling through the tough times and enjoying the good times.”

Plus, some of Keenum’s decisions don’t directly show up in the stat sheet. Head coach Jeff Fisher has complimented the signal-caller’s ability to make the proper checks in the run game, and Boras mentioned how Keenum taking a sack in certain scenarios is also the right call.

“Case, even those he had to take a sack twice, those were in situations where he didn’t force the ball and [had] something bad happen,” Boras said. “So, sometimes it’s the decision when the ball wasn’t thrown that are the ones you compliment him for the most.”

But this week will present a significant challenge as the Rams head up to Seattle for their second matchup with the Seahawks. Since starting out the year 2-4, the two-time defending NFC champions have won seven of their last eight to bring their record to 9-5. And looking at both squads, plenty has changed when it comes to their on-field makeup — Keenum being one of them.

“It’s been a really long time, a full season,” Keenum said. “A few different players, but it’s Seattle and they’re still a really good defense. They still line up and run what they run.”

Still, there’s plenty to take not only from the Rams’ 34-31 overtime victory, but also the games the two teams have played in the past few years.

“We know who they are. They know who we are,” Boras said. “It just comes down to us doing what we do better than they do what they do. They haven’t changed a whole lot.”

Seattle’s known for running plenty of Cover 3 with its secondary and excelling at it with leaders like cornerback Richard Sherman, safety Earl Thomas, and safety Kam Chancellor. But the Seahawks can be just as formidable up front with players like Michael Bennett, who has 9.5 sacks and can move all around the defensive line.

“They line up to it different ways and they mix it up,” Keenum said. “They tend to mix it up against us sometimes, too. Divisional opponents you play twice, so it helps sometimes to mix it up. You still have to line up and play. You still have to line up and beat them. They’ve got some great players over there.”

The other challenge will be the crowd noise. CenturyLink Field has been known for a while as one of the loudest stadiums in the league, and often presents communication issues.

“We’re not going to be able to hear very much of anything,” Keenum said. “This will be my first time playing at Seattle. I played at Kansas City though. My first start was at Kansas City when they were going back and forth who was the loudest outdoor stadium. So I have an idea of what it’s like, but I’m sure it’s going to be really loud. It’s something we’re definitely going to have to deal with.”

Though the plays go directly to Keenum’s helmet from quarterbacks coach Chris Weinke on the sideline, Boras said there are plans for if something goes wrong.

“That’s part of the preparation that we’re going through now,” Boras said, “is to try to make sure that we have the contingencies in place, so if he can’t hear, we can still get him a play and we can still hopefully be effective.”

And so as Keenum continues to progress in the offense, Sunday will provide another test for him to show what he can do as a quarterback in this league.

“I’ve said it before, anytime you step on the field I think it’s a statement,” Keenum said. “That’s how we accumulate resumes in this league — it’s what you put on film. Anytime you do that, especially against a team like Seattle, who’s for the last few years have been playing a lot of really good football, so we’ve got our work cut out for us.”

“This will be a big challenge for him,” Fisher said. “I mean, it’s not easy to go in there and play. But, he’s got the personality that I think it takes to go in there and be successful.”

INJURY REPORT

There was no official injury report released on Tuesday, but Fisher did provide an update on linebacker Alec Ogletree. Last week, the head coach said Ogletree’s practice window would likely begin this week with the idea of the linebacker possibly being active for Week 17 against the 49ers.

While Ogletree did not get on the field for the week’s first practice, Fisher said the linebacker did some work inside.

“He’ll be out over the next couple of days,” Fisher said. “We’ll see how he moves and then we’ll kind of push him as best we can, but not going to put him in a position where if he’s not ready, we’re not going to play him.

“But, I want him to have the opportunity to potentially get a few snaps against San Francisco,” Fisher continued. “We’ll know early in the week next week.”

VISITING BAILEY

A number of Rams went to visit wide receiver Stedman Bailey in Miami during the long weekend, including wide receiver Tavon Austin and safety Rodney McLeod.

“It felt good to see my man,” Austin said. “It’s hard to see him like that, but he is definitely positive about the situation.”

“Just to be there and encourage him and lift up his spirits, if they were even down — it didn’t look like they were,” McLeod said. “It looked like he was very positive. We just wanted to take some time out and show him our support, and that we’re rooting for him.”

For more on the visit to South Florida, we’ll have a full story on the site on Wednesday

Practice Report 12/16: Defending Winston and Martin, Donald Wins POTW

Myles Simmons

http://www.stlouisrams.com/news-and-events/article-practicereport/Practice-Report-1216-Defending-Winston-and-Martin-Donald-Wins-POTW/87232f82-3532-41fb-878d-41891db1082f

When the Rams and Buccaneers last met in Week 2 of 2014, both teams looked vastly different than they do now. Among the many changes, safety Mark Barron was on the opposite sideline, putting big hits on St. Louis players instead of the club’s opponents as he’s routinely done since the trade that brought him to town.

But there may not be a more significant change than the man who is behind center for Tampa Bay, Jameis Winston.

As the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s draft, there were clearly high expectations for Winston. And according to Buccaneers head coach Lovie Smith, the rookie has done well to meet them.

“He was a rookie quarterback coming in, but Jameis Winston has been just outstanding in any way you want to evaluate a player,” Smith said this week. “On the football field, it’s documented how intelligent he is and he’s a football junky. He can throw a football, so everything you’re looking for in a franchise quarterback, he has. He came in well-advertised, but you could say that he’s even been better than that.”

According to head coach Jeff Fisher, the Rams studied Winston throughout the draft process and got to know him. And now that he’s playing, Fisher said it’s clear how much the quarterback has improved throughout the year.

“I think the thing that’s most impressive about Jameis is that their offense is at 42 percent on third down right now,” Fisher said. “When you play a rookie quarterback all year and they’re converting 42 percent of their third downs — that’s impressive.”

“You can see why he was the first pick,” defensive coordinator Gregg Williams said. “And you can tell from a leadership standpoint, there are those natural leaders and there are those guys who kind of evolve into leadership. You can see he’s a natural leader. You can see those guys respond to him. So I’m anxious to see him in person.”

Anyone who watched the 2014 BCS National Championship game between Florida State and Auburn probably remembers Winston’s competitive nature that helped bring his team down the field for a game-winning touchdown drive. Linebacker James Laurinaitis said that’s still apparent from what he’s seen of Winston in the league so far.

“You can tell the team really believes in him,” Laurinaitis said. “Late in games, he’ll do whatever it takes — whether it’s scrambling, he’ll shrug off tackles, make big throws.”

“I think he’s going to be a star,” Laurinaitis added. “You can tell he’s a fighter and one of those guys who wants the ball at the end of the game. You can sense it. He’s a heck of a ball player.”

Listed at 6-foot-4 and 231 pounds, Winston can be a load to take down. Defensive tackle Aaron Donald knows that well, as he faced the quarterback in college at Pitt.

“Make sure you get your big-boy pads on, because he’s not going to let you get him down easily,” Donald said. “He actually got away from me. I should’ve gotten him three times and he got away from me two times. So I owe him. But he’s a big quarterback, he can move around in the pocket, and he can throw the big passes downfield.”

“One of the most dominant guys in the pocket is Ben [Roethlisberger],” Williams said. “We’ve even kind of said a few things about that similarity in the pocket. He doesn’t go down easily. He’s very strong in the pocket. He’s got decent speed, not great speed, but you have a hard time bringing him down because of his size.”

While Winston may garner many of the headlines, running back Doug Martin has been just as important for the Buccaneers’ offense. Martin is No. 2 in the NFL with 1,214 yards rushing in 2015, trailing Adrian Peterson by just 37 yards.

“He has unbelievable vision. He runs hard and behind his pads well,” Laurinaitis said. “I’m glad that he’s healthy and playing well again. You always want to play against their best players. He’s playing really well, and he’s patient, and finds holes. He’ll sliver through that hole and the next thing you know, he’s off to the races. I’ve got a lot of respect for him.”

“He has had on film the most explosive runs that I’ve seen anybody all year long that we’ve played,” Williams said. “He has really done a great job with explosive runs. They’ve done a very good job in their run blocking schemes.”

Plus, the short week presents its own set of challenges for defensive preparation.

“I think our guys have done a very good job of adjusting to the schedule,” Williams said. “From the assistants to everybody on, they’ve got to handle the information quick, guys process it quick. We’ve had some good work this week, so I’m anxious to see them play tomorrow night.”

DONALD WINS PLAYER OF THE WEEK

With his 3.0 sacks and six quarterback hits against the Lions on Sunday, defensive tackle Aaron Donald was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week on Wednesday morning.

“It means a lot — being a younger guy, to only be in this league for two years,” Donald said Wednesday. “But like I always say, hard work pays off. So just watching it pay off, it feels good.”

Donald has put together a stellar second NFL season, as he’s now just a half-sack away from the Rams’ single-season record by a defensive tackle. D’Marco Farr set the mark with 11.5 in 1995, and now Donald has a good chance to break it 20 years later.

“It would mean a lot, but right now I’m just trying to do my job and help my team win,” Donald said. “If it comes, it comes. If not, I’m just going to do my part.”

INJURY REPORT

With the short practice week now complete, the Rams should be relatively healthy heading into Thursday’s matchup.

Running back Todd Gurley (rest), wide receiver Kenny Britt (shoulder), and right tackle Rob Havenstein (calf) are all listed as probable.

Cornerback Janoris Jenkins (concussion) has cleared all steps of the protocol and the exertion phase, and is also listed as probable.

Cornerback Eric Patterson (ankle) did not practice on Wednesday and is listed as questionable.

Defensive end Robert Quinn (back) and offensive lineman Andrew Donnal (knee) have both been declared out.

Rams hopeful Janoris Jenkins will be cleared to play Thursday

Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/24884/rams-hopeful-janoris-jenkins-will-be-cleared-to-play-thursday

EARTH CITY, Mo. — St. Louis Rams cornerback Janoris Jenkins isn’t quite out of the concussion protocol but is one step closer, according to coach Jeff Fisher.

Jenkins again was officially listed as limited on the Rams’ Tuesday injury report but was able to do enough in practice to be considered for the final test in the concussion protocol, the exertion test. That essentially means that Jenkins did strenuous enough activity for the Rams to monitor how he feels after the practice. If Jenkins feels good, he could be cleared to play Thursday night against Tampa Bay.

Fisher said an update on where Jenkins is in terms of passing the exertion test should come Wednesday.

Linebacker Alec Ogletree, who has been on the injured reserve list with the designation to return because of an ankle injury, could be returning to practice sometime after Thursday night’s game. He has a 21-day window to practice in, and the Rams are running out of time. So while there’s no guarantee that Ogletree will play in a game before the season is out, he could get a head start on his recovery by getting some reps in practice.

Fisher said there’d be a chance Ogletree could play in the season finale against San Francisco.

The Rams also made a couple of roster tweaks Tuesday, releasing kicker Zach Hocker and promoting defensive tackle Louis Trinca-Pasat from the practice squad to the active roster. Linebacker Matthew Wells re-signed to the practice squad to take Trinca-Pasat’s place.

Everything else remained status quo on the injury report Tuesday. Here’s a look:

Did not participate — DE Robert Quinn (back), OL Andrew Donnal (knee), CB Eric Patterson (ankle).

Limited participation — RB Todd Gurley (rest), WR Kenny Britt (shoulder), OT Robert Havenstein (calf), CB Janoris Jenkins (concussion)

Practice Report 12/15: Offense on a Short Week

Myles Simmons

http://www.stlouisrams.com/news-and-events/article-practicereport/Practice-Report-1215-Offense-on-a-Short-Week/509b62f1-d05b-4058-82ee-3a6f4a7fb761

With the contest against the Buccaneers just a couple days away, the Rams have had to cram a lot into a little bit of time. It’s a challenge that’s keeping Rob Boras up at night once again, now in his second week since assuming the duties of offensive coordinator.

“This week’s really short. This is a hard turnaround,” Boras said. “Doesn’t matter if you’ve been doing this for 20 years as a coordinator or six days — these Thursdays are hard.”

Head coach Jeff Fisher thought enough of Boras’ performance as a playcaller last week to give him a game ball, an honor Boras said speaks more about the team than just himself.

“I like living in anonymity,” Boras said. “To me, that was for all of us. The whole offensive staff was unbelievable. The players were unbelievable. Obviously, personally, there’s a lot of pride with that. But that’s just a compliment to how everybody stepped up.”

The reviews were positive from St. Louis’ quarterback, too.

“I think he’s working his tail off,” Case Keenum said. “You look at it, it’s a pretty tough time to take over. Your quarterbacks change, and then you get a short week. So that’s two pretty tough weeks on a coordinator, and I think he’s handled it very well.”

Now the club has moved on to a Buccaneers team that sports a quality defense. It’s difficult enough to come up with install a gameplan when there’s a full week of practice, but playing on Thursday can make that process tougher. However, it also can help in keeping things simple, according to Keenum.

“For me, it keeps a lot of the clutter out,” Keenum said. “I keep things simple. I’m not really seeing ghosts. I’m watching what I watch on film, and then I’m moving on to the next thing.”

“After a full week of watching film, sometimes you can watch the same clip so much that you start seeing things that aren’t there,” Keenum added. “You start trying to read too much into a defense, or trying to see too much, or do too much. When it comes down to it, you have to trust your fundamentals, and your technique, and your reads, and just go through them.”

Still, Tampa Bay is no pushover, especially defensively. Led by linebacker Lavonte David and defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, the Buccaneers have developed a quality defense that plays well in Lovie Smith’s system. The so-called “Tampa 2” defense has worked well for years, going back even further than Smith’s long tenure as the Bears’ head coach.

“They do what they do and they’re good at it,” Keenum said. “And they’ve got some really good players on the front end and back end that have done really well, put some really good things on film. We’ve got our work cut out for us.”

“It’s not like they’re one of those exotic defenses that tries to fool your quarterback,” Fisher said. “They beat you by putting people in position, on their toes, ready to break, and then collapsing the pocket real quick, and the ball has to come out. That’s how his defenses have always been.”

In fact, Boras served as the Bears’ tight end coach from 2004-2009, saying Tuesday he recognizes many facets of what the Buccaneers are doing from that time.

“I went back to some of my notes from 2004 and 2005 when I was still there, and it’s a lot of the same stuff,” Boras said. “Obviously, there’s been influences with [defensive coordinator Leslie] Frazier joining him and some different things, but for the most part, it’s very similar to what we saw.”

The familiarity does work both ways. On his conference call with St. Louis media, Smith said he could tell then that Boras had potential to be an offensive coordinator.

“Rob had a wide range,” Smith said. “And a lot of times when you coach the tight ends, you’re involved with the passing game and of course you’re involved in the running game quite a bit. I know Rob was a coordinator, I think at UNLV, before that. You saw him heading in that direction.”

While coaching against an old friend could bring up fond memories, Boras said he’ll be able to handle it.

“If it was the first time I was getting the opportunity to coach against coach Smith, it’d probably be a little bit more special. But this is probably the third time I’ve coached against him since I left,” Boras said. “It’s always fun to coach against your friends and the people you respect.”

With Boras still sleep deprived given all that needs to be crammed in the short week, there likely isn’t much time for all that anyway.

ROSTER MOVE

On Tuesday, the Rams promoted defensive tackle Louis Trinca-Pasat from the practice squad to the active roster. The rookie out of Iowa flashed plenty during training camp, which may have caught the eye of other teams across the league.

“This is the time of year when people express interest in players on your practice squad, and he had a couple opportunities,” Fisher said. “So, we went ahead and brought him up to our active roster.”

After practice, the defensive tackle said he was appreciative of the chance the Rams have given him.

“I’m excited and still working. You always have to be ready for an opportunity and I’m thankful,” Trinca-Pasat said. “I’ve enjoyed it, and I’m glad I get to continue the journey here.”

The young defensive lineman complimented Aaron Donald, Michael Brockers, and Nick Fairley for the ways they’ve let him pick their brain.

“I’ve learned a lot about pass rushing while I’ve been here,” Trinca-Pasat said. “Just watching Donald craft his technique — the guy is really good. In certain situations, if I’m not sure what I’m going to do or if he has defeated his guy, I like to ask him what he did, and what kind of look he got.

“He’s very down to earth, he’s always helping out,” Trinca-Pasat continued. “It’s just a great group of defensive linemen, coaches, and it makes everything more comfortable to play and learn.”

In order to add Trinca-Pasat to the roster, the Rams cut kicker Zach Hocker.

INJURY REPORT

There were no changes to the injury report from Monday’s estimate to Tuesday’s practice.

Todd Gurley (rest), Kenny Britt (shoulder), Rob Havenstein (calf), and Janoris Jenkins (concussion) were all limited.

Fisher said Jenkins has just one more test to pass before he can be a full participant.

“He’s cleared the concussion protocol. He just had to clear the exertion phase. I’m assuming he did that today,” Fisher said. “We’ll find out this evening how he feels.”

Robert Quinn (back), Andrew Donnal (knee), and Eric Patterson (ankle) did not practice.

Also on the injury front, Fisher said Alec Ogletree could be added to the active roster soon. The linebacker has been on injured reserve/designated to return, and his 21-day window to be activated is starting to run out.

“We’re considering taking him off and activating his practice time. He’s got 21 days, which we’re running out of time, but we’re thinking about doing that on Friday,” Fisher said.

“He’s not quite ready. He’s close,” Fisher added. “The goal would be to try to see if he’s available for San Francisco. If not, then he’s got a head start on the offseason program.”

Jenkins might return to face Tampa Bay

Joe Lyons

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/jenkins-might-return-to-face-tampa-bay/article_12e27efd-b0b4-51b2-81c0-c1a009bd44b4.html

According to Rams coach Jeff Fisher, there’s a chance the team will get cornerback Janoris Jenkins back for Thursday night’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Edward Jones Dome.

Jenkins, a talented fourth-year cornerback, sat out Sunday’s 21-14 win over visiting Detroit after suffering a concussion the week before.

“He was limited today in practice,” Fisher said Monday when asked about Jenkins after a walk-through at Rams Park. “He passed all the tests today. He’s got one more phase, which is the exertion phase. We expect that to happen” Tuesday.

Jenkins, a second-round draft pick in 2012, started the Rams’ first 12 games this season and has 52 tackles, including 47 solos, and three interceptions. He has 10 career interceptions in 55 career starts.

With Jenkins out, the Rams’ secondary stepped it up against Detroit. The team’s other fourth-year cornerback, Trumaine Johnson — who had missed the previous two-plus games — intercepted a late first-half pass and returned it 58 yards for the game’s first score. He also helped limit the Lions’ Calvin Johnson, aka “Megatron,” to just one reception. It went for 16 yards.

“It’s next man up,” Rams safety Rodney McLeod said. “You miss having guys like Janoris and (safety) T.J. (McDonald) out there, but you see a lot of guys out there who’ve earned the right to be on that field and who really played well. Marcus Roberson was going against Golden Tate — that’s not an easy matchup — and Maurice Alexander filling the shoes of T.J. You can just go down the line. … All you can do is just try to battle through the injuries and keep trying to make plays.”

Fisher added that he was “really pleased. For Marcus to line up and make the plays he did and then for Maurice to step in for T.J. and play and run and hit and tackle in addition to doing the special teams stuff, I was pretty impressed with the way they played.”

GURLEY IS OK

Rams rookie running back Todd Gurley sat out the last few plays Sunday after getting the game’s final first down. But he said it wasn’t a big deal.

“I banged my knee up just a little bit,” he said following the game. “But you know, it’s part of the game. It happens every game. We got a quick turnaround, get in there and get some treatment and I’ll be fine.”

The Rams and Buccaneers were limited to walk-throughs Monday, meaning their injury reports were estimated. Gurley was listed limited/not injury related (rest).

“He was fine,” Fisher said. “We had to project today, but he was limited. There was no issues with Todd other than he had 16 carries for 140 yards.”

And two second-half touchdowns.

According to the Rams’ report, DE Robert Quinn (back), OL Andrew Donnal (knee) and CB Eric Patterson (ankle) did not practice, with WR Kenny Britt (shoulder), T Rob Havenstein (calf) and Jenkins (concussion) listed as limited.

The Buccaneers listed LB Bruce Carter (ankle), WR Vincent Jackson (knee) and former Illinois DT Akeen Spence (ankle) as not practicing. Listed as limited were LB Lavonte David (ankle), DE George Johnson (calf), G Logan Mankins (ankle), fand ormer Mizzou DE Jacquies Smith (hamstring).

SUNDAY PARTICIPATION

Six Rams defenders were on the field for all 71 snaps Sunday: Mark Barron, Eureka High’s Alexander, McLeod, Johnson, Roberson and James Laurinaitis.

According to the press box stats, Barron led the way with 11 tackles, with Laurinaitis and Roberson chipping in with eight each. Roberson also knocked down a pair of passes.

Johnson scored the game’s first points, with his interception. It was his career-best fifth interception this season and the 13th of his career. Johnson also had a pair of pass defenses.

The Rams’ Aaron Donald had three of the team’s four sacks. The other came from fellow defensive tackle Michael Brockers.

Quarterback Case Keenum and offensive linemen Tim Barnes, Garrett Reynolds, Cody Wichmann, Greg Robinson and Havenstein were on the field for all 55 offensive snaps.

RAM-BLINGS

Fisher said that receiver Stedman Bailey continues to make progress after being shot twice in the head on Nov. 24.

“We’re hoping to get some news here in the next couple of days, but he’s improving,” the coach said. “He’s still in the hospital. He’s more in the rehab phase right now than he is in the recover phase.”

Bailey was officially moved to the non-football injury list on Monday.

• Asked about the yellow uniforms the Rams will be wearing in Thursday’s “Color Rush” game, Fisher said: “I’m just glad it’s not baseball where I have to wear the uniform as well.”

• Midway through the first half Sunday, after a sack by the Lions’ Ziggy Ansah left the Rams with a fourth down at the Detroit 37, Fisher passed on a 55-yard field-goal try and opted for a punt.

“It was a field-position thing,” the coach explained. “It had nothing to do with (kicker Greg Zuerlein). Greg’s leg strength was there. You saw his kickoffs. You saw his PATs. It was just a field-position thing.”

Zuerlein, who kicked a franchise-record 61-yarder earlier this season, had missed the previous two games because of a strained hip.

On Johnny Hekker’s punt, reserve safety Christian Bryant came up with a stellar play at the goal line to keep the ball from getting to the end zone and teammate Chase Reynolds downed the ball at the Detroit 2-yard line.

Corner update: Johnson back, Jenkins still in concussion protocol

Jim Thomas

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/corner-update-johnson-back-jenkins-still-in-concussion-protocol/article_1adda464-5374-5cb0-ad96-e872f532cd1a.html

Three injured Rams _ cornerback Trumaine Johnson, tight end Lance Kendricks, and defensive end Williams Hayes _ all had status upgrades Thursday, boding well for their participation in Sunday’s home game against the Detroit Lions.

Johnson (thigh) and Kendricks (concussion) were upgraded to full participation after being limited on Wednesday. Hayes (thigh) was limited after not practicing at all on Wednesday.

The rest of the Rams’ injury report remained unchanged: cornerback Janoris Jenkins (concussion), G/T Andrew Donnal (knee), K Zach Hocker (thigh), and P Johnny Hekker (not injury related/rest) did not practice for the second day in a row. That’s not good for Jenkins, in terms of clearing the concussion protocol in time for Detroit.

Also, WR Wes Welker (calf) remained limited, while K Greg Zuerlein (hip) and QB Case Keenum (concussion) were full participation.

DE Robert Quinn (back) and S T.J. McDonald (shoulder), who are both scheduled for season-ending surgery, have yet to be placed on injured reserve. Coach Jeff Fisher indicated Thursday that they probably would be replaced by practice squad players. One possibility is cornerback Eric Patterson, a second-year pro from Ball State.

Rams notes: Key players could again be out vs. Cardinals

Joe Lyons

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/rams-notes-key-players-could-again-be-out-vs-cardinals/article_405da39c-c5da-58ad-a350-352c9d8cb7ed.html

It appears the Rams will again be without defensive end Robert Quinn, cornerback Trumaine Johnson and kicker Greg Zuerlein when they take on the red-hot Arizona Cardinals at noon Sunday at the Edward Jones Dome.

The team’s Friday injury report listed Quinn (back), Johnson (thigh) and Zuerlein (right hip) as doubtful for the NFC West showdown. In NFL terms, doubtful means there is just a 25 percent chance of playing Sunday.

None of the three players practiced this week.

Quinn, a two-time Pro Bowl selection, started the season’s first seven games, sat a week and then saw limited action against Chicago. He was inactive for recent games at Baltimore and at Cincinnati. Sixth-year pro Eugene Sims has been filling in for Quinn.

Johnson, in the midst of perhaps his best season, was injured on an interception return in Baltimore and did not play in last week’s 31-7 road loss to the Bengals. Marcus Roberson, a second-year pro, stepped in against Baltimore and started in the Cincinnati game.

Zuerlein suffered a strained hip flexor a couple of days before the Cincinnati game. A day before that contest, the team signed free agent kicker Zach Hocker, a University of Arkansas product who began the season with the New Orleans Saints.

Zuerlein “did not kick (Friday), so it’ll probably be a game-time decision,’’ Rams coach Jeff Fisher said after Friday’s workout at Rams Park. “Zach kicked well, kicked off well (Friday), so we’ll see.’’

Quarterback Case Keenum was limited in practice Friday and still has not cleared the concussion protocol. He’s listed as questionable, which is 50-50.

On Thursday, Fisher named Nick Foles as the starter at quarterback.

Tackle Rob Havenstein, the team’s second-round draft pick last May, went through another full workout Friday and is listed probable. Havenstein started the first seven games at right tackle but has sat out three of the last four games with a calf injury.

Offensive lineman Andrew Donnal (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday.

The 9-2 Cardinals, who enter Sunday’s action riding a five-game winning streak and holding a three-game lead in the NFC West, have ruled out RB Andre Ellington (toe), CB Jerraud Powers (calf) and DT Frostee Rucker (ankle), with DT Cory Redding (ankle) doubtful. WR Michael Floyd (hamstring) is questionable.

THUMBS-UP FOR ODOM

Rams center Tim Barnes, who played at the University of Missouri from 2006-2009, thinks his alma mater made a wise choice in hiring another ex-Tiger, Barry Odom, to take over for Gary Pinkel as the Tigers’ next football coach.

“I like it. Not really that surprised since Pinkel helped with the search and likes to promote from within,’’ the fourth-year pro said. “You know that Odom was probably going to be a head coach somewhere this year, so why not Mizzou? I know him personally; he’s a good guy and I’m excited for him.’’

Barnes continued: “You want to keep good people in the program, especially when they have good track records. (Odom) hasn’t been here the whole time. He left and went to Memphis and had success there before coming back. Seems like (Memphis) wanted him back, so I think it’s a good choice by Missouri.’’

GOLDEN SHINES

Drafted by the Cardinals in the second round of last spring’s draft, former Affton High and Mizzou standout Marcus Golden had played in all 11 games and made three starts at linebacker for Arizona this season.

The 6-foot-3, 260-pound Golden has 24 tackles, including three for loss. He leads the Cardinals with 13 quarterbacks hits, is second with 2½ sacks and is tied for second with 11 quarterback pressures. He’s also forced a fumble this season.

“I love him,’’ Arizona free safety Tyrann Mathieu said earlier in the week. “I love his energy, I love his passion. He’s getting to the quarterback for us; that’s something we definitely need to keep improving on. We need some other guys to step up and get to the quarterback. Marcus is doing a great job. To say he’s a rookie and he has to learn so much, he’s doing a great job just making football plays.’’

NFL PUNT, PASS & KICK

Before Sunday’s game with the Cardinals, qualifiers age 6-15 from throughout Missouri and Illinois will compete in the NFL Pass, Punt & Kick competition. The action begins at 8 a.m. in five age divisions for boys and girls, with the top scorer in each age group crowned team champion and eligible for the national championships to be held at Colts vs. Titans game on Jan. 3, 2016.

All competitors will be recognized during Sunday’s pregame.

NFL Punt, Pass & Kick began in 1961 and is the nation’s largest grassroots sports skills competition. Among those who’ve participated are Hall of Fame quarterbacks Troy Aikman and Dan Marino.

MESSAGE FROM BAILEY

On Friday, Rams wide receiver Stedman Bailey issued a message via Twitter:

To my entire Rams family, especially my teammates, fans and peers, I thank you so much for your continued prayers and support. My recovery has been nothing short of a miracle (a work of God) and I can only give God the praise, glory and honor for what he is doing in my life at this time. Christmas is a holiday in which Jesus was born as a gift to the world but in all honesty, he has given me and my family a gift which is far greater than what any man can give, a restoration of my life and health. I will continue to get better day by day until I’m able to get back on the field and I ask for your continued prayers.

Love, Stedman Bailey.

Practice Report 12/4: Defending an Explosive Offense

Myles Simmons

http://www.stlouisrams.com/news-and-events/article-1/Practice-Report-124-Defending-an-Explosive-Offense/71954400-99c8-4aec-9333-39e88c2907d3

Since head coach Bruce Arians and quarterback Carson Palmer arrived, the Cardinals’ offense has been known for its ability to create explosive plays. This season, Arizona leads the league with 57 plays of at least 20 yards — 49 via pass and eight via run. With those numbers, Palmer is No. 1 in both yards per attempt (8.8) and yards per completion (13.8).

Arizona’s penchant for explosive plays can be a challenge for any team to defend, and will be for the Rams on Sunday.

“We’ve had a couple of really big time offenses we’ve had to go against this year and I’m looking forward to our opportunity again this year,” defensive coordinator Gregg Williams said after Friday’s practice. “Our guys understand the personnel because it’s within our division. They understand that aspect of it. So now, it’s going out and understanding leverage, understanding space, what they’re trying to do, where they’re trying to create their opportunity to move the ball. Can our guys defend it? We’ll see.”

Palmer in particular is playing quite well leading the offense. He’s completed 63.6 percent of his passes for 3,337 yards with 27 touchdowns and nine interceptions. His 7.1 percent touchdown rate also tops the NFL.

“I’ve been very impressed with how accurate of a thrower he is,” Williams said. “He’s done a very good job of moving around, buying extra time. If he has a concept in mind that he wants to do — boom — he goes ahead and does it. He’s done a very good job on being consistent.”

“Carson, to me, you look back at last year at what happened once he got hurt, where they went — Drew Stanton tried to do a good job to carry the ship, but they’re just not the same without Carson out there,” linebacker James Laurinaitis said. “He’s playing at a very high level. I have a lot of respect for him.”

Undoubtedly Arians is a significant factor in Palmer’s success. It’s the third season the two have worked together in the desert, and Arians said this week Palmer is playing as well as anyone he’s ever coached.

“The guy is a workaholic,” Arians said. “He knows how he learns. I think we’ve all learned how he learns, so we can teach him better. That’s why the growing pains when you get an older quarterback and you have to learn really how he learns. I think now we’ve got a system in place where he’s prepared every ball game, and it’s get the other 10 guys around him on the same page with him.”

But the key to getting to that point with a coach and quarterback, according to Arians, is having a great sense of trust.

“You have to have communication every day because you’re tied at the hip,” Arians said. “Your job is depending on him. You’ve got to have trust in a relationship, whether it’s honesty going back and forth and accountability back and forth.”

The kind of season Palmer is having does soften the blow of losing starting running back Chris Johnson to a fractured tibia. Johnson was placed on IR with a designation to return a few days ago after suffering the injury against San Francisco in Week 12. Fellow running back Andre Ellington has already been declared out for Sunday’s matchup with turf toe. And so rookie David Johnson is likely to be the first man up in the backfield this weekend.

“David is more than ready,” Arians said. “When Andre was hurt, he played a bunch in the previous game, although it wasn’t his best game. We feel very confident he’s more than ready.”

A third-round pick out of Northern Iowa, David Johnson leads the team with eight total touchdowns. The rookie caught four passes for 63 yards — including a 23-yard touchdown — and had 18 yards rushing on three carries when the Rams faced the Cardinals in October.

“He played well and got all of our attention the last time we played them,” Williams said. “Our guys have a lot of respect for him. He’s very powerful. He’s got some shiftiness to him when he needs to. But, he’s a very good receiver in the passing game too. Not only does he do everything they want in the running game, but when you put the ball in his hands, he’s made some big plays in the passing game. I don’t think they’re going to miss a beat.”

“Earlier in the year when we played them, they used him a lot — kind of in their empty third down stuff,” Laurinaitis said. “He runs a lot of routes for them in their no-back stuff.”

No matter who is at running back, the Cardinals are likely to move the ball and score points. That’s why clamping down and playing strong red-zone defense — like the Rams played the last time these two teams squared off — will be of particular importance in Sunday’s contest.

“We spend an inordinate amount of time in the red zone also throughout the course of the week. Learned that a long time ago,” Williams said. “We’ve got to take the ball away. Got to play stout against the run, but you’ve got to do a great job in the red zone, got to do a great job on third down.”

“When you’re playing an offense like this, I mean, field goals are wins,” Rams head coach Jeff Fisher said. “We’ve said that before. Field goals are wins for your defense. We have to get off the field on occasion on third down. We keep Carson on their sideline, then we have a chance.”

INJURY REPORT

As Fisher said on Thursday, the Rams will start Nick Foles at quarterback against Arizona. Case Keenum was limited once again in Friday’s practice, and is listed as questionable for the game.

“We’ll see how he is tomorrow and make a decision on whether he’s [No.] two or [No.] three [at quarterback],” If he’s two, he’s been completely cleared and ready to play. If he’s two, he’s two because he’s been cleared, one, and two, he hasn’t had sufficient reps to practice during the week.”

If Keenum is inactive, then Sean Mannion would serve as the backup quarterback.

Elsewhere on the injury report, right tackle Rob Havenstein (calf) is probable. Offensive lineman Andrew Donnal (knee) is out. Greg Zuerlein (right hip), Trumaine Johnson (thigh), and Robert Quinn (back) are all listed as doubtful.

Quinn’s injury has had plenty of ripple effects along the D-line, as it would for any team missing a player who recorded a franchise season record for sacks. But Fisher gave plenty of credit to Eugene Sims, who has started in Quinn’s stead.

“We miss him, but Eugene’s playing well out there and the other guys are rushing hard,” Fisher said. “[Quinn’s] a difference maker. He’s one of those guys that can change the game at any point in the game. So, definitely, we miss him, but as most teams miss their Pro Bowl quality players.”

Defensive tackle Aaron Donald did say this week it seems like teams are paying him a little more attention on the inside in Quinn’s absence.

“A lot more double teams — not much I can do about that but just keep playing,” Donald said. “Anytime you lose a playmaker it’s going to be tough. He’s a guy that’s a leader and makes a lot of plays for us. Other guys just have to step up, continue to do what we’ve been doing.”

“It’s impossible to replace Robert,” Laurinaitis said. “The duo of Aaron’s quickness inside and Robert’s speed rush — if Robert gets around the corner the quarterback has to step up and Aaron is in his face. If Aaron gets pressure up the middle, the quarterback has to flush out and Robert is there to get him. It’s such a deadly combo that when you miss one half of it, it affects the whole rotation, and snaps, and all that as well. Hopefully, we get Rob back soon.”

Practice Report 12/3: Replicating Gurley’s Success, Foles to Start at QB

Myles Simmons

http://www.stlouisrams.com/news-and-events/article-practicereport/Practice-Report-123-Replicating-Gurleys-Success-Foles-to-Start-at-QB/8debefef-43cd-44ec-804e-d3e2efffd399

In Week 4, running back Todd Gurley made his first pro start against the Cardinals in Arizona. St. Louis’ ground game had not been particularly effective in the first three contests, but head coach Jeff Fisher continued to say the club was close to breaking out.

All that came to fruition in the second half of St. Louis’ 24-22 victory, as Gurley ran for 144 yards in the third and fourth quarters, including runs of 52, 30, 23, and 20 yards. The running back also slid down in the final period instead of running in for what would have been his first NFL touchdown, allowing the Rams to keep the ball and kill the clock.

But even after all that, Gurley said the most memorable part of the game was just coming away with a victory.

“Hopefully, we can get that again and be undefeated in the division,” Gurley said Thursday.

That first Arizona contest started a string of four straight games of at least 125 yards rushing for the rookie out of Georgia. But lately, Gurley’s numbers have gone down. Last week, Gurley had only nine carries for 19 yards.

Offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti said the team would like to get Gurley more carries this weekend in order to kick start the rushing attack again.

“Hopefully like last time, you continue to get better throughout the game,” Cignetti said.

“We had a slow first half against the Cardinals, then we had a big second half,” Fisher said. “We’ve looked hard at it. We just have to continue to give him opportunities. So, we’ll get creative in the run game, and got to get hats on hats, and let him go.”

But the Cardinals will be revved up to slow Gurley down. Defensive back Tyrann Mathieu said this week Arizona may have let up just a bit in the second half of that October matchup, based on how the game had gone through the first two quarters.

“For some reason in the second half, we just didn’t play our assignments the proper way — getting out of gaps, just creating these large running lanes for Gurley to run through,” Mathieu said. “Obviously, any time you have a running back with his type of ability, any type of open field, it’s a good deal. So, we have to do a better job of constricting running lanes and definitely having more than one person trying to tackle him.”

It’s also been a while since Gurley broke off a long run, as his last rush of at least 20 yards was his 71-yard touchdown against San Francisco on Nov. 1.

“You don’t point your finger at one thing,” Cignetti said. “First off, you give defenses credit. Defenses have done a very nice job. We’re going to continue to give him at bats. The big ones will come.”

But don’t think the decreased production is because of a so-called “rookie wall.”

“What wall?” Gurley replied to that inquiry. “I’m good.”

“He’s in great shape right now,” Fisher said, later adding, “He’s not frustrated. He’s a team guy. He’s having fun, wants to help us win. He knows he’s a big part of this team. His production on the field not only helps offense, it helps defense, it helps everything. He’s in good shape.”

One aspect that may help the ground game pick up is the likely return of right tackle Rob Havenstein to the starting lineup. The rookie offensive lineman has missed three of the last four games due to injury, but Havenstein said Thursday he’s getting back to 100 percent.

“I’m feeling pretty good,” Havenstein said. “Our training staff has been doing an excellent job with me and communicating with everyone, and been on the same page. I’m giving my all to get back out there.”

“It’s great getting Rob back,” Cignetti said. “He’s smart, tough, physical. He’s making tremendous progress every day, every game.”

With the myriad injuries across the offensive line, Gurley and the unit have had to make adjustments based on who is out there.

“Same schemes at the end of the day. One man goes down, another man has to step up. It is what it is,” Gurley said. “Rob’s a great player. But, like I said, whoever is in there, we feel confident and we’re going to try and get the job done. Rob is a great player, so definitely happy to have him back.”

According to Havenstein, the key to replicating the success the Rams had against the Cardinals in their first meeting is fairly simple.

“It’s just staying on our blocks and giving Todd a chance,” Havenstein said. “He’s going to do special things. He’s that type of player, that type of back, and the way he works in practice is unbelievable. All we have to do is our job — whatever your job is on that play, just do your job and just give Todd a chance to make a play.”

If the Rams can do that, they’ll have a great chance to win on Sunday.

FOLES TO START ON SUNDAY

With quarterback Case Keenum still going through the concussion protocol, Fisher said Nick Foles would be the team’s starting signal-caller against Arizona this week.

“It’s part of the protocol, we’re just evaluating [Keenum],” Fisher said. “All the tests with the neurologists and things are OK. It’s just about him feeling 100 percent.”

If Keenum is feeling ready to go on Friday, Fisher said the quarterback could be the backup for Sunday. If not, that role would once again fall to rookie Sean Mannion.

“He’s got a chance to be a [No.] two this week, particularly because he’s missed two days of practice,” Fisher said. “What we’re hoping for is whether he’s a two or just inactive. So, Nick’s going.”

While it won’t be for this week, when Keenum is good to go, Fisher reiterated the Houston product will once again be the team’s starter.

INJURY REPORT

There were no changes from Wednesday to Thursday on the injury report.

Robert Quinn (back), Andrew Donnal (knee), Trumaine Johnson (thigh), and Greg Zuerlein (right hip) did not practice. Keenum (concussion) was able to practice on a limited basis. And Rob Havenstein was a full participant in Thursday’s session.

Practice Report 11/27: Austin Thinking of Bailey, Plan at QB

By Myles Simmons

View: http://www.stlouisrams.com/news-and-events/article-practicereport/Practice-Report-1127-Austin-Thinking-of-Bailey-Plan-at-QB/e312480d-626f-4404-95e8-d1c9a76a07b2

As one Rams player put it Wednesday, wide receivers Stedman Bailey and Tavon Austin are like two peas in a pod — clearly two of the closest players on the team. Both wideouts starred at West Virginia before the Rams brought them to St. Louis in the 2013 draft.

With that in mind, it’s been a tough week for Austin.

“It’s very difficult,” Austin said. “We’ve got to keep him in our prayers. I’m the one who is probably his closest brother on the team, just because we played together [in college.] But everybody feels the same.”

“He’ll be alright. He’s going to be good,” Austin added. “But it was rough, just seeing it, believing it. That’s the hardest part — just knowing the type of brother that you have. I’ve spent seven years of my life with him.”

While Austin has not been able to get in direct contact with Bailey, his teammate has not been far from his thoughts. And in a way to honor him, Austin said he’s going to speak with head coach Jeff Fisher about wearing a No. 12 jersey for the rest of the season.

“That’s our brother. Hopefully coach Fish will let me wear it in the game — I’m going to ask him — for the rest of the season,” Austin said. “But he always is going to be [with] us regardless — even if I can’t wear the jersey.”

Austin and Kenny Britt both sported No. 12 blue practice jerseys during Friday’s session.

“That’s nothing but support for our brother that we love. And we’re going to be there for him,” Britt said.

Fisher said it’s a gesture that makes sense, considering the closeness of the receiving unit as a whole.

“That’s cool. They love Sted,” Fisher said. “If we had enough jerseys to go around, everybody would’ve had a ‘12’ jersey on, including me. We just don’t have enough to go around.”

“The guys love Sted,” Fisher continued. “Sted’s a very popular player, a great teammate, very, very talented player. It’s unfortunate. We were a week away from him coming back in the building and getting ready to help us win.”

Fisher did provide a small update on Bailey’s condition, saying head trainer Reggie Scott had gone down to visit with him.

“Our doctors have talked to the attending physicians and the surgeons and he’s in stable condition right now,” Fisher said. “We’re just trying to gather more information right now. But, he’s in stable condition.”

And so while Austin’s focus has remained on trying to win a football game against Cincinnati this week, he plans on supporting Bailey as much as he can whenever he can once the season ends.

“I definitely know his strength,” Austin said. “He’s definitely going to pull through. The offseason, I might be right down there beside him. Pushing with him, getting him right back here beside me, and Kenny, and all of us. Whatever it takes, just to get him back.”

SUNDAY’S PLAN FOR QUARTERBACK

Fisher said Friday quarterback Case Keenum is still not through the concussion protocol, keeping him limited for the day’s practice and listed as questionable for Sunday. The current plan is for the club to continue to monitor Keenum over the next day, and then make a decision on who will start — Keenum or Nick Foles.

“Unless we get good news tomorrow, then Nick will be our starter,” Fisher said. “If [Keenum’s] completely cleared and he feels good, then he’ll start. But, as it is right now, it’s looking like we’re going to potentially have to go with Nick, which is great.”

If Keenum is not healthy to go, Fisher said he’s excited about Foles getting a chance to play.

“He seized the opportunity and he had a great week this week,” Fisher said. “So, loves the game plan and he’s ready to play. I think our offense understands where the challenges are and we need to score points. Nick’s excited about the opportunity if he plays.”

For his part, Foles said he’s stayed ready throughout the process.

“I’ve been preparing the same as I’ve always been,” Foles said. “If you’re going to play quarterback, you always have to prepare like you’re starting. Preparation hasn’t changed when I stepped back. You’re always ready to go if your number is called.”

Foles has split reps with Keenum throughout the practice week, and so he’s plenty familiar with what the Rams need to do offensively to combat the Cincinnati defense.

“I think the key to us is, it’s always staying inside the chains,” Foles said. “If we do get to third down, make sure it’s third-and-manageable. We’ve been in a lot of third and longs this year. So, staying inside the chains and doing a good job on first and second down. On the road, in the red zone you have to come away with touchdowns.”

And even though Foles is, in effect, acting as the backup, the Rams receivers are still familiar with the way he throws the ball.

“Whoever is in there can go and do the job,” Britt said. “We’ve got guys who are going to go out there and make plays for him. And whoever starts on Sunday, we’re going to be there for him.”

INJURY REPORT

Defensive end Robert Quinn (hip/back), Trumaine Johnson (thigh), and right tackle Rob Havenstein (calf) did not practice and are all listed as questionable.

Keenum and kicker Greg Zuerlein (right groin) practiced on a limited basis and are also listed as questionable.

Offensive lineman Andrew Donnal (knee) did not participate all week and has been declared out.

Practice Report 11/27: Austin Thinking of Bailey, Plan at QB

Myles Simmons

http://www.stlouisrams.com/news-and-events/article-practicereport/Practice-Report-1127-Austin-Thinking-of-Bailey-Plan-at-QB/e312480d-626f-4404-95e8-d1c9a76a07b2

As one Rams player put it Wednesday, wide receivers Stedman Bailey and Tavon Austin are like two peas in a pod — clearly two of the closest players on the team. Both wideouts starred at West Virginia before the Rams brought them to St. Louis in the 2013 draft.

With that in mind, it’s been a tough week for Austin.

“It’s very difficult,” Austin said. “We’ve got to keep him in our prayers. I’m the one who is probably his closest brother on the team, just because we played together [in college.] But everybody feels the same.”

“He’ll be alright. He’s going to be good,” Austin added. “But it was rough, just seeing it, believing it. That’s the hardest part — just knowing the type of brother that you have. I’ve spent seven years of my life with him.”

While Austin has not been able to get in direct contact with Bailey, his teammate has not been far from his thoughts. And in a way to honor him, Austin said he’s going to speak with head coach Jeff Fisher about wearing a No. 12 jersey for the rest of the season.

“That’s our brother. Hopefully coach Fish will let me wear it in the game — I’m going to ask him — for the rest of the season,” Austin said. “But he always is going to be [with] us regardless — even if I can’t wear the jersey.”

Austin and Kenny Britt both sported No. 12 blue practice jerseys during Friday’s session.

“That’s nothing but support for our brother that we love. And we’re going to be there for him,” Britt said.

Fisher said it’s a gesture that makes sense, considering the closeness of the receiving unit as a whole.

“That’s cool. They love Sted,” Fisher said. “If we had enough jerseys to go around, everybody would’ve had a ‘12’ jersey on, including me. We just don’t have enough to go around.”

“The guys love Sted,” Fisher continued. “Sted’s a very popular player, a great teammate, very, very talented player. It’s unfortunate. We were a week away from him coming back in the building and getting ready to help us win.”

Fisher did provide a small update on Bailey’s condition, saying head trainer Reggie Scott had gone down to visit with him.

“Our doctors have talked to the attending physicians and the surgeons and he’s in stable condition right now,” Fisher said. “We’re just trying to gather more information right now. But, he’s in stable condition.”

And so while Austin’s focus has remained on trying to win a football game against Cincinnati this week, he plans on supporting Bailey as much as he can whenever he can once the season ends.

“I definitely know his strength,” Austin said. “He’s definitely going to pull through. The offseason, I might be right down there beside him. Pushing with him, getting him right back here beside me, and Kenny, and all of us. Whatever it takes, just to get him back.”

SUNDAY’S PLAN FOR QUARTERBACK

Fisher said Friday quarterback Case Keenum is still not through the concussion protocol, keeping him limited for the day’s practice and listed as questionable for Sunday. The current plan is for the club to continue to monitor Keenum over the next day, and then make a decision on who will start — Keenum or Nick Foles.

“Unless we get good news tomorrow, then Nick will be our starter,” Fisher said. “If [Keenum’s] completely cleared and he feels good, then he’ll start. But, as it is right now, it’s looking like we’re going to potentially have to go with Nick, which is great.”

If Keenum is not healthy to go, Fisher said he’s excited about Foles getting a chance to play.

“He seized the opportunity and he had a great week this week,” Fisher said. “So, loves the game plan and he’s ready to play. I think our offense understands where the challenges are and we need to score points. Nick’s excited about the opportunity if he plays.”

For his part, Foles said he’s stayed ready throughout the process.

“I’ve been preparing the same as I’ve always been,” Foles said. “If you’re going to play quarterback, you always have to prepare like you’re starting. Preparation hasn’t changed when I stepped back. You’re always ready to go if your number is called.”

Foles has split reps with Keenum throughout the practice week, and so he’s plenty familiar with what the Rams need to do offensively to combat the Cincinnati defense.

“I think the key to us is, it’s always staying inside the chains,” Foles said. “If we do get to third down, make sure it’s third-and-manageable. We’ve been in a lot of third and longs this year. So, staying inside the chains and doing a good job on first and second down. On the road, in the red zone you have to come away with touchdowns.”

And even though Foles is, in effect, acting as the backup, the Rams receivers are still familiar with the way he throws the ball.

“Whoever is in there can go and do the job,” Britt said. “We’ve got guys who are going to go out there and make plays for him. And whoever starts on Sunday, we’re going to be there for him.”

INJURY REPORT

Defensive end Robert Quinn (hip/back), Trumaine Johnson (thigh), and right tackle Rob Havenstein (calf) did not practice and are all listed as questionable.

Keenum and kicker Greg Zuerlein (right groin) practiced on a limited basis and are also listed as questionable.

Offensive lineman Andrew Donnal (knee) did not participate all week and has been declared out.

Quinn ruled out for Baltimore

Jim Thomas

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/rams-report/quinn-ruled-out-for-baltimore/article_2fb207fd-9a36-5a2b-be3e-aa37286de62b.html

The injury issues continue for Rams defensive end Robert Quinn. The two-time Pro Bowler was downgraded to out from questionable for Sunday’s game with Baltimore with what is now being listed as a hip/back injury.

As such, Quinn will miss his second game in the past three weeks. There has been some varied information on just what has been ailing Quinn. He missed the Minnesota game Nov. 8 with what the team described as a knee injury on its official injury report.

After playing only 14 snaps last week against Chicago, Quinn appeared on this week’s injury report with a hip issue. On Saturday, in announcing that Quinn would miss Sunday’s game in Baltimore, the injury was listed by the team as hip/back.

Back issues, in fact, have hampered Quinn for much of this season. Eugene Sims is expected to start once again in Quinn’s place against the Ravens.