Recent Forum Topics › Forums › The Rams Huddle › reporters at practice, Day 16 – Wagoner, Thomas etc. (Saffold, Brockers back)
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August 19, 2014 at 8:25 pm #4420
RamBillParticipantRams Camp Report: Day 16
By Nick Wagonerhttp://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/10696/rams-camp-report-day-16
EARTH CITY, Mo. — A daily review of the hot topics coming out of St. Louis Rams training camp:
We can get to some of the happenings on the field in Tuesday’s practice in a moment but the most important thing to take away from this workout wasn’t so much what happened as who was participating. Coach Jeff Fisher alluded to the possibility of key starters Jake Long, Michael Brockers, James Laurinaitis and Rodger Saffold returning this week and all four took a step in that direction to varying degrees. As has been the case recently, Long was the most active of the group as he went through a full practice. All signs point to him playing against the Browns. Brockers was next in line, participating in his share of team drills as he comes off an ankle injury. He took most of the reps in his usual spot with the first team. Saffold did individual work but no team as the Rams bring him along slowly. But he said after practice that he’s doing well and the team is simply being cautious. Laurinaitis did some running on the side and Fisher said he hasn’t been ruled out for this weekend yet. We’ll see where Brockers, Saffold and Laurinaitis are later in the week but there’s at least a chance that all four could return. Also, cornerback Janoris Jenkins was back at full speed. He actually returned in practice last week but the Rams didn’t want to have him play a game just a couple days after coming back to practice.
Amongst those sitting out Tuesday: linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar, cornerbacks Brandon McGee, E.J. Gaines and Darren Woodard (who did some side work), end Sammy Brown, defensive tackle Matt Conrath, offensive lineman Mike Person, center Demetrius Rhaney and offensive lineman Barrett Jones.
On the field, it was one of the hottest days of camp, perhaps the hottest and the workout was a bit sluggish. The offensive line, in particular, had its share of struggles. If you’re looking for an individual standout, here’s one from off the radar: cornerback Jarrid Bryant. With a trio of corners on the sideline during practice, Bryant took advantage of his opportunities. The 6-foot-3, 185-pound Bryant had one sequence in which he came up with two interceptions and a pass breakup in a span of about six or seven plays.
Isiah Robertson, one of the Rams’ greatest linebackers and a six time Pro Bowler, took in Tuesday’s practice.
The Rams have their final open practice of the preseason Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. ET. That coincides with the official end of the training camp portion of the preseason.
August 19, 2014 at 9:49 pm #4427RamBillParticipantPractice Recap: Vets Return to Work
By Kevin Orris
The Rams battled the heat in their second-to-last practice of training camp in Earth City this afternoon.
Today’s session was highlighted by the return of veterans Janoris Jenkins, Michael Brockers and Rodger Saffold.
“[Brockers] came back, finished up and was good,” Rams head coach Jeff Fisher said. “Rodger got involved in a little of the individual stuff, which was good. Janoris [returned] as we expected.”
After missing nearly all of the contact portion of camp, Saffold couldn’t be more excited to return to action.
“I’m probably the only person here who hasn’t hit another person off this team, so I’m just itching,” Saffold said.
Though James Laurinaitis did not practice, he did light workouts on the side.
“We’ve not ruled him out for this week’s game,” Fisher said of Laurinaitis. “He’s turned a corner and he was moving pretty well.”
LEFTOVERS
– Saffold’s status for Saturday night’s game in Cleveland is to be determined, but he is excited about the potentially opportunity to play against his hometown team.
“I grew up loving the Browns, but you know now it’s time to work against them,” Saffold said. “I know some guys on the other side, so it should be a fun time.”
– Undrafted free agent defensive back Jarrid Bryant impressed during today’s practice with two interceptions.
“There are some guys who are down right now, so I’m getting my opportunity,” Bryant said. “I’m trying to make the most of it. Today was a good day. I’m just trying to hang around as long as I can and do my part.”
– Even with Jake Long expected to return this week, Fisher plans to give Greg Robinson more game reps at left tackle.
“It’s a good possibility that Jake plays this week,” Fisher said. “He’ll go to guard when Jake’s in the game. When Jake comes out, we’ll still continue to work him at tackle.”
– Former Los Angeles Rams linebacker and six-time Pro Bowler Isiah Robertson watched practice from the sidelines today.
“It was an honor to have him in the building and out to practice for a couple of days,” Fisher commented.
August 20, 2014 at 2:07 am #4434RamBillParticipantSaffold returns to practice, eyes Cleveland game
• By Jim ThomasJust in time for a trip to his hometown of Cleveland, it looks like Rodger Saffold is ready to play for the Rams.
Saffold suffered a “stinger” in his left shoulder just before the team’s FanFest on Aug. 2 at the Edward Jones Dome.
“I think what happened was I got hit from two different angles on one bad spot and just caught a stinger,” Saffold said after Tuesday’s practice at Rams Park.
A stinger basically is a stinging sensation in the neck and shoulder area. It can be very painful and can sometimes linger. The party line at Rams Park is that this particular injury was minor, and the Rams were simply being cautious.
Given Saffold’s history of shoulder issues — as a free agent he failed a physical with the Oakland Raiders — it makes sense to play it safe. The Rams want him for the long haul this season. Whether he plays much in August doesn’t mean much in the big picture.
“It was nowhere near as bad as last time,” Saffold said, apparently referring to an injury last preseason. “But as a coach, you want to make sure to take care of your players. They’ve seen you play, so they know what you can do.
“So they were like, ‘Hey, why don’t you just sit this one out? Let’s just make sure that you’re good so we don’t get any future problems.’ “
Not only did Saffold sit out the first preseason game against New Orleans; he was a spectator for the Green Bay game as well.
On Tuesday he returned to practice for the first time in 2½ weeks but was active only in individual drills. He did no 11-on-11, or “team,” drills. With just two full practices left before the team travels to Cleveland for Saturday’s third preseason game, common sense says Saffold will need some 11-on-11 work before being thrown into exhibition play.
Saffold already is lobbying head athletic trainer Reggie Scott to get in the lineup against the Browns.
“I know you say preseason doesn’t really matter, but you just want to compete,” Saffold said. “It’s just the type person that you are. I’m doing everything extra-safe, but at the end of the day I just can’t wait for the season.”
Saffold doesn’t know at this point if he’s playing Saturday, let alone how much he’ll play. He said the only thing he hears from Scott is that he’s day-to-day.
“I’m the type of guy that’s going to force the issue,” Saffold said. “So we’ll just see how good his willpower is these next four days.”
So Saffold might try to wear him down, as if Scott is a pass-rusher huffing and puffing by the fourth quarter.
“Absolutely,” Saffold said. “I’ll punch him in the chest.”
Just joking there. Then again, since he has yet to play in the preseason, Saffold bemoaned the fact that “I’m probably the only person here that hasn’t hit another person off of this team. I’m itching to hit somebody else.”
Reporters then volunteered one of their brethren as a potential human tackling dummy, but Saffold didn’t jump at that offer.
Saffold says he doesn’t feel rusty because he has been doing a lot of running and other work while sidelined.
“I know they want to be super cautious, and that’s fine,” he said. “At the end of the day, I’ve been working since I got hurt. So really, I hope this transition back onto the field won’t be that big of a transition. I feel in shape. I feel rested. I’m good all the way around.”
Even though right guard remains a relatively new position for him, Saffold says he has gotten enough work during OTAs and the early part of training camp that he can get his technique back fairly easily. The playbook isn’t a problem, because this is the third year in offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer’s offense.
Nonetheless, cohesion and chemistry are as important on the offensive line as anywhere on the football field. And except for about a dozen or two snaps during the days before Saffold’s injury, the starting offensive line has not worked together as a group throughout camp. That’s practice time as well as preseason contests.
But the O-line is getting closer to that elusive reunion. Center Scott Wells made his preseason debut against the Packers. Left tackle Jake Long is expected to make his exhibition debut against the Browns.
Will Saffold be out there against Cleveland?
“Of course I plan on playing, man,” Saffold said.
Scott may have different ideas.
In the preseason opener against the Saints, the Rams had nine starters sidelined. The number shrank to five against the Packers. If Saffold plays, there’s a chance that all 22 starters could be in action against Cleveland.
Besides Saffold, defensive tackle Michael Brockers returned to practice Tuesday, and unlike Saffold did both individual and 11-on-11 work. Brockers suffered a sprained ankle during the FanFest session, and until Tuesday, hadn’t practiced since.
Coach Jeff Fisher said Brockers practiced “like he hadn’t been hurt. I’d say that’s a good sign.”
Cornerback Janoris Jenkins (hamstring) also practiced Tuesday after being held out of the Green Bay game. Linebacker James Laurinaitis (ankle), who has been sidelined since getting stepped on 2½ weeks ago, was in uniform Tuesday but only worked on the side. He did not practice.
“We’ve not ruled him out for this week’s game,” Fisher said. “He’s turned the corner and he was moving pretty well.”
August 20, 2014 at 2:12 am #4435RamBillParticipantRams notebook: Healthy Kendricks tries to make the most of training camp
• By Joe LyonsA year ago, he was injured and biding his time. This year, Rams tight end Lance Kendricks is healthy and looking to take his game to another level.
Following offseason knee surgery, Kendricks was forced to sit out the entire 2013 preseason. Then, after an understandably slow start, he turned in a solid season as a blocker and also came through with 32 catches for 258 yards and four touchdowns.
“It’s great to be out there, making plays, making catches and hopefully building up some confidence as a team,’’ the fourth-year pro from the University of Wisconsin said after Tuesday’s training camp workout. “Last year was definitely frustrating, trying to get back into the rhythm after missing so much time. But this year, with OTAs and camp, we’ve been able to work together and just get the offense going.’’
Kendricks, a second-round draft pick in 2011, has been productive in limited preseason action this summer. He had two catches for 20 yards and took part in 13 offensive plays in the opening-week loss to New Orleans and was in on 12 offensive plays last weekend against Green Bay, coming away with two catches for 15 yards, including the home team’s lone touchdown.
On the 11-yard scoring play with 8:02 left in the first half, Kendricks ran a seam route down the middle and made the grab on a well-placed Sam Bradford pass with Packers safety Micah Hyde draped all over him.
“It’s a play we practice all the time. It’s an up-and-down ball, a timing throw,’’ Kendricks said. “Sam put it right on the money and I was able to make a great catch.’’
Added Rams coach Jeff Fisher: “That was a great throw and catch … it’s a hard throw and a very, very difficult catch.’’
Kendricks, who posted career bests in receptions (42) and yards (519) in 2012, is part of a solid tight end crew that also features Jared Cook, who led the team last year with 51 catches for 671 yards and five touchdowns, and Cory Harkey, a third-year pro who finished last season with 13 catches for 113 yards and two scores.
“Me, ‘Hark’ and Jared, we all work together and we all push each other,’’ the 26-year-old Kendricks said. “We look to be the best tight end group in the league; that’s what we’re fighting for.
“And the young guys, Alex (Bayer), Justice (Cunningham and Brad Smelley), they’re all coming along and following our lead.’’
Kendricks continued: “We’re working hard, trying to get better. I’m just trying to expand my knowledge of the offense. Learning how to read defenses better and just trying to get open.’’
Kendricks isn’t surprised at all by Bradford’s strong start in the preseason.
“Sam’s a grinder, that’s what he does,’’ Kendricks said. “He did a great job of coming back stronger than he was and now he’s just trying to do what he can to rally the team to try and get a win in Week 1.’’
RAM-BLINGS
The Rams will hold their final open-to-the-public practice as training camp wraps up today beginning at 3:30 p.m.
• Tuesday’s practice was one of the hottest the Rams have experienced this year and produced some sloppy play.
Undrafted rookie free agent Jarrid Bryant, a 6-foot-3, 185-pound cornerback, was the standout in Tuesday’s workout. In a span of six or seven plays, he came up with a pair of interceptions and a pass breakup.
• Tuesday’s practice marked the return of several key players. Defensive tackle Michael Brockers practiced and took normal reps with the starters. Right guard Rodger Saffold did individual work while middle linebacker James Laurinaitis did some running on the side and defensive end William Hayes worked on the side with trainers.
Players not practicing included linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar, offensive linemen Mike Person, Demetrius Rhaney and Barrett Jones, defensive end Sammy Brown, defensive tackle Matt Conrath and cornerbacks E.J. Gaines, Darren Woodard and Brandon McGee.
• Receiver Tavon Austin wore No. 1 instead of his normal No. 11 on Tuesday. “Just a practice jersey,’’ he explained.
• The NFL and the NFL Players Association have agreed to expand practice squads from eight to 10 players for the 2014 and 2015 seasons.
• Rams legend Isiah Robertson, a six-time Pro Bowl linebacker, took in Tuesday’s practice.
“What an honor to have him in the building and out to practice,’’ Fisher said. “Really, really great career. You talk about his numbers and stats and everything. Remember watching him, (he) just played the game the way (you’re supposed to) play at the linebacker position.’’
• A scout for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League was on hand Tuesday. Last week, the CFL’s Hamilton Tiger-Cats scouted the Rams.
Jim Thomas of the Post-Dispatch contributed to this report.
August 20, 2014 at 2:20 am #4436RamBillParticipantRams report: Brockers returns to practice, others getting closer
• By Joe LyonsThe Rams worked through one of the hottest days of training camp on Tuesday.
Undrafted rookie free agent Jarrid Bryant, a 6-foot-3, 185-pound cornerback, was the standout in Tuesday’s workout. In a span of six or seven plays, he came up with a pair of interceptions and a pass breakup.
Tuesday’s practice marked the return of several key players. Defensive tackle Michael Brockers practiced and took normal reps with the starters. Right guard Rodger Saffold did individual work while middle linebacker James Laurinaitis did some running on the side and defensive end William Hayes worked on the side with trainers.
Players not practicing included linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar, offensive linemen Mike Person, Demetrius Rhaney and Barrett Jones, defensive end Sammy Brown, defensive tackle Matt Conrath and cornerbacks E.J. Gaines, Darren Woodard and Brandon McGee.
RAM-BLINGS
The Rams will hold their final open-to-the-public practice today beginning at 3:30 p.m. at Rams Park in Earth City.
• Receiver Tavon Austin wore No. 1 instead of his normal No. 11 on Tuesday. “Just a practice jersey,” he explained.
• Rams legend Isiah Robertson, a six-time Pro Bowl linebacker, took in Tuesday’s practice.
“What an honor to have him in the building and out to practice,” Rams coach Jeff Fisher said. “Really, really great career. You talk about his numbers and stats and everything. Remember watching him, (he) just played the game the way (you’re supposed to) play at the linebacker position.”
• A scout for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League was on hand Tuesday. Last week, the CFL’s Hamilton Tiger-Cats scouted the Rams.
(Jim Thomas of the Post-Dispatch contributed to this report.)
August 20, 2014 at 2:54 am #4438
AgamemnonParticipantIf Saffold plays, there’s a chance that all 22 starters could be in action against Cleveland.
Cool, that is the number one thing I want to see. 😉
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