Givens remains odd man out in WR rotation –PD

Givens remains odd man out in WR rotation
• By Jim Thomas

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/givens-remains-odd-man-out-in-wr-rotation/article_69f932f6-f637-5207-9ab9-44e486f42a09.html

Chris Givens led the Rams in receiving yards as a rookie in 2012, and finished second in 2013. But with the return of Stedman Bailey from NFL suspension and the return of Tavon Austin after missing 1 1/2 games with a knee injury, the speedster from Wake Forest has become odd man out in the Rams’ wide receiver rotation.

Givens first learned he was not suiting up the morning of the Rams’ game in Philadelphia.

“Yeah, I was surprised,” Givens said recently. “It’s a business _ these things happen. It was tough to deal with. Definitely it was a humbling experience. At the same time, it’s bigger than me.”

The Rams have remained committed to big receivers Brian Quick and Kenny Britt as their starters, with Tavon Austin as the No. 3 _ usually lining up in the slot.

That leaves Austin Pettis and Stedman Bailey coming off the bench rounding out the five wideouts the Rams are using on game day.

“It’s difficult when you have to deactivate healthy players, especially someone like ‘Give’ that’s been productive for us,” coach Jeff Fisher said prior to the San Francisco game.

Besides getting Bailey and Austin back, the Rams have some depth at kickoff returner, a position where Givens has not excelled. Special teams needs have mandated the Rams use players at other positions on game-day rather than dressing six wide receivers.

“So, it just happened,” Fisher said last week. “It’s ever-changing. It may be a one-time thing; it may have to happen again. I don’t know.”

Givens was inactive again versus San Francisco, so unless there’s an injury among the other wideouts he might be out of the rotation for a while. Pettis did not practice because of an ankle issue Wednesday, but was back on the field and a full practice participant Thursday.

“Honestly, all I’ve been told is to keep working hard, try and get on more special teams,” Givens said. “And just continue to stay consistent. That’s all I can really worry about. That’s the only thing I can control.”