9ers week & the saga of Rams injury recoveries

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October 30, 2014 at 2:06 am #10817

RamBill
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Rams notebook: Fisher opts for shortened workout for battered squad
• By Joe Lyons

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/rams-notebook-fisher-opts-for-shortened-workout-for-battered-squad/article_650025d8-8065-585d-8d3a-7b816277f5c1.html

In what has already been an unusual week, the Rams had a one-hour walk-through in place of their regular practice Wednesday afternoon.

That’s what happens when you spend a couple of days reworking the 53-man roster and 10-man practice squad while dealing with multiple injuries.

“I had 13 people on the injury report and I felt like we needed to back down,’’ Rams coach Jeff Fisher said, adding that the Rams are facing a familiar foe this week in the NFC West rival San Francisco. “Our focus is having them ready (for) Sunday.’’

When the Rams (2-5) take on the 49ers (4-3) Sunday at 3:05 p.m. in their first trip to new Levi’s Stadium, they will definitely be without starting left tackle Jake Long (knee) and No. 1 wide receiver Brian Quick (shoulder).

On Wednesday, the Rams made it official as Quick joined Long on injured reserve.

Chosen by the Rams with the initial pick of the second round in 2012, Quick was in the midst of a breakout season with career bests in starts (seven), catches (25), receiving yards (375) and touchdowns (three).

He was replaced on the 53-man roster by offensive lineman Brandon Washington, a 6-2, 318-pounder from the University of Miami who was promoted from the practice squad. A sixth-round draft pick by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2012, Washington was signed by the Rams shortly after being cut that fall and has spent almost all of the last two-plus seasons on the practice squad. He made his NFL debut in last season’s finale at Seattle.

Veteran receiver and kick returner Damian Williams was also added to the active roster Wednesday. Williams, 26, played in college at Arkansas and Southern California and was drafted in the third round of the 2010 draft by Fisher’s Tennessee Titans. He spent the next four seasons there, enjoying a career year in 2011 with 45 catches for 592 yards and five touchdowns in 13 starts. In one game this season with the Miami Dolphins, the 6-foot-1, 200-pound Williams had one 14-yard reception.

“I was surprised he was available; (Miami) released him on Saturday,’’ Fisher said. “Losing Brian, it feels like Damian is a perfect fit for us as a back-up returner and as a fifth receiver right now. He’s smart. He’ll learn real quickly and obviously has a chance to be active this week.’’

To open a spot, the Rams cut defensive back Jemea Thomas, a rookie from Georgia Tech who made his Rams debut Sunday.

In moves involving the practice squad Wednesday, the Rams released wide receiver Kadron Boone and added tackle Steven Baker, wide receiver Emory Blake, tight end Justice Cunningham and offensive lineman Travis Bond.

Baker, a 6-foot-8, 310-pounder from East Carolina, signed as an undrafted free agent with Indianapolis in 2012 and has also been with Arizona, Kansas City, the New York Giants and Miami.

Blake, Bond and Cunningham have all been with the Rams during the last couple of seasons.

Quarterback Case Keenum cleared waivers and will be added to the practice squad.

“Just took a day off,’’ he kidded.

INJURY REPORT

Because Wednesday was just a walk-through and not a full practice, Fisher had to estimate player participation. Eight of the 13 players on the injury report — defensive end William Hayes (foot), guard Rodger Saffold (shoulder), cornerback Janoris Jenkins (knee), defensive tackle Aaron Donald (shoulder), safety Rodney McLeod (knee), linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar (toe), center Scott Wells (elbow) and safety Cody Davis (concussion) — were listed as not practicing.

In addition, cornerback Trumaine Johnson (knee), center Tim Barnes (shoulder), wide receiver Kenny Britt (hip), cornerback Marcus Roberson (ankle) and defensive back Lamarcus Joyner (hip) were limited.

“We’ll get some players back tomorrow and then more and more players back on Friday,’’ said Fisher, whose team fell 31-17 to the visiting 49ers on Oct. 13.

Coming off its bye week, San Francisco had just four players on its Wednesday injury list. Cornerback Chris Culliver (hamstring) was a full participant, with linebacker Patrick Willis (toe), cornerback Tramaine Brock (toe) and safety Jimmie Ward (quadriceps) limited.

EARLY HALLOWEEN

On Tuesday, safety Rodney McLeod hosted a “Halloween Huddle’’ for a group of patients from Shriners Hospital for Children at Kokomo Joe’s in St. Peters.

“We had probably 10 kids, plus their brothers and sisters, and I think everybody really enjoyed themselves. Including me,’’ he said. “We played laser tag, bowled, played a bunch of different arcade games. Those kids are so brave, so courageous. I’m just glad to be able to help out and try to put a smile on their faces.’’

McLeod said he was introduced to Shriners in the week before playing in the 2012 East-West Shrine Game following his senior season at the University of Virginia.

“It was kind of a life-changing experience,’’ the third-year pro explained. “Once I realized the hospital was here, I decided to reach out to them and I thought we did a great job of putting the event together. The kids were excited and they enjoyed themselves a lot.’’

October 30, 2014 at 8:51 pm #10856

RamBill
Participant

Chris Long making progress toward return
By Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/13209/chris-long-making-progress-toward-return

EARTH CITY, Mo. — The St. Louis Rams went through a full practice Thursday after Wednesday’s walkthrough and made progress toward getting healthy.

On Wednesday, the Rams had 13 players listed on the injury report with eight listed as not participating. Things were a little better Thursday with only four listed as non participants: guard Rodger Saffold (shoulder), cornerback Janoris Jenkins (knee), defensive tackle Aaron Donald (shoulder) and safety Cody Davis (concussion).

Of players not on the injury report but working back from injury, Rams coach Jeff Fisher said that defensive end Chris Long is making progress. Long is eligible to begin practicing this week as part of his injured reserve/designated to return spot, but the Rams aren’t rushing him back.

“He’s a little ways away but we’re very encouraged where he’s at,” Fisher said. “As he is too. The surgical procedure which is not an issue for him right now, that’s good. It’s just the fact that he was non-weight bearing and in a cast so you’re dealing with natural atrophy so he has to get all his strength back.”

Here’s the full injury report from Thursday:

Did not participate: G Rodger Saffold (shoulder), CB Janoris Jenkins (knee), DT Aaron Donald (shoulder), S Cody Davis (concussion).

Limited participation: S Rodney McLeod (knee), LB Jo-Lonn Dunbar (toe).

Full participation: DE William Hayes (foot), C Scott Wells (elbow), CB Trumaine Johnson (knee), C Tim Barnes (shoulder), WR Kenny Britt (hip), CB Lamarcus Joyner (hip), CB Marcus Roberson (ankle).

October 31, 2014 at 7:24 am #10899

Agamemnon
Participant

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/practice-report-rams-getting-healhier/article_f92934c5-7a00-52cd-ac9b-2bb179d676e9.html?print=true&cid=print
Practice Report: Rams getting healhier
10 hours ago • By Jim Thomas jthomas@post-dispatch.com 314-340-8197

A slightly healthier Rams team took part in a full practice Thursday after what was a one-hour walk-through a day earlier.

“It was a great practice today,” coach Jeff Fisher said. “I think they really benefited from (Wednesday’s) schedule. “We got a lot of players back. Many more participated today.”

For openers, DE William Hayes (foot) and C Scott Wells (elbow) were full participation Thursday after not practicing at all during Wednesday’s walk-through.

S Rodney McLeod (knee) and LB Jo-Lonn Dunbar (toe) were upgraded to limited participation after sitting out Wednesday.

CB Trumaine Johnson (knee), C Tim Barnes (shoulder), WR Kenny Britt (hip), CB Marcus Roberson (ankle), and DB Lamarcus Joyner (hip) were all upgraded to full participation Thursday after being limited Wednesday.

But for the second day in a row, LG Rodger Saffold (shoulder), CB Janoris Jenkins (knee), DT Aaron Donald (shoulder), and S Cody Davis (concussion) did not practice.

Both at center and in the secondary, the Rams went with several combinations of personnel in practice Thursday.

“I can’t say with precision who could play right now and who can’t,” Fisher said. “We may even have some pre-game warm-up decisions to make early Sunday.”

IN SAN FRAN. . . .

CB Tramaine Brock (toe) and Patrick Willis (toe) remained listed as limited Thursday by the 49ers. S Jimmie Ward (quad) was upgraded to full participation after being limited Wednesday.

In contrast to the Rams, who have 13 players listed on their injury report, San Francisco _ which is coming off a bye week _ has only four.

The fourth 49er, CB Chris Culliver (hamstring), has been full participation all week.

“Everybody’s dealing with injuries,” Fisher said. “We’ve probably got a little more than most. But you can’t consume yourself with that. We’re not going to be thinking about who’s hurt and who’s not at 1 o’clock (Pacific time) on Sunday.”

CHRIS LONG’S STATUS

According to league rules on injured reserve/designated for return status, DE Chris Long is eligible to be on the practice field right now following early September foot surgery. But he’s not ready to hit the field yet.

“He’s a little ways away, but we’re very encouraged where he’s at,” Fisher said. “As he is too. We just want to make sure. There’s two issues right now. The surgical procedure is not an issue for him right now.”

But because Long was in a cast and couldn’t put any weight on the foot for a while, there was some atrophy to the muscles in that leg. “So he has to get all his strength back,” Fisher said.

BARRON’S DAY

For newly-acquired safety Mark Barron, Thursday marked his first full day as a Ram, and really his first day of practice.

“He spent a lot of time here last night and this morning (in the meeting room),” Fisher said. “We worked him in (in practice), particularly because we got some guys that didn’t practice. He was on the field with the (starting) defense. He had a really good understanding of the defensive concepts. So it’s just a matter of relating what he’s used to and translating it into our terminology.”

END OF MOVES

CB Jemea Thomas cleared waivers Thursday and was added to the practice squad. And after clearing waivers Wednesday, QB Case Keenum was officially added to the practice squad.

All told, those moves capped a 48-hour period in which the Rams made 18 roster moves, be it cutting players, signing players to the active roster and practice squad, trading for Barron, or placing Jake Long and Brian Quick on injured reserve.

When asked if 18 moves was a personal best for Fisher during a game week, Fisher replied, “I wouldn’t call it ‘best.’ It was something that needed to get done. I appreciate all the help from Les (Snead) and Kevin (Demoff), and the staff, getting everything done.”

Agamemnon

October 31, 2014 at 12:51 pm #10905

zn
Moderator

DE William Hayes (foot) and C Scott Wells (elbow) were full participation Thursday after not practicing at all during Wednesday’s walk-through.

CB Trumaine Johnson (knee), C Tim Barnes (shoulder), WR Kenny Britt (hip), CB Marcus Roberson (ankle), and DB Lamarcus Joyner (hip) were all upgraded to full participation Thursday after being limited Wednesday.

S Rodney McLeod (knee) and LB Jo-Lonn Dunbar (toe) were upgraded to limited participation after sitting out Wednesday.

But for the second day in a row, LG Rodger Saffold (shoulder), CB Janoris Jenkins (knee), DT Aaron Donald (shoulder), and S Cody Davis (concussion) did not practice.
=========================

=========================

CB Trumaine Johnson (knee)
DB Lamarcus Joyner (hip)
upgraded to full participation

S Rodney McLeod (knee)
upgraded to limited participation after sitting out Wednesday.

CB Janoris Jenkins (knee)
S Cody Davis (concussion)
did not practice.

Jezus H. No wonder they traded for Barron.

They have 3 DBs out (including McGee) and 3 others hurt but slowly coming back.

That leaves Gaines, McDonald, and Alexander. Now of course, Barron.

October 31, 2014 at 3:26 pm #10911

wv
Participant

I didnt realize A.Donald was hurt.

Sigh

w
v

October 31, 2014 at 9:45 pm #10923

zn
Moderator

Rams appear healthier than expected for Niners

By Joe Lyons

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/rams-report/rams-appear-healthier-than-expected-for-niners/article_7d640f9e-b311-52ad-90de-a17d32073277.html

The Rams split Friday’s practice at Rams Park, starting with a walk-through outside before moving inside due to heavy winds. The majority of the workout was indoors.

The team, which made 18 roster moves early in the week to deal with injuries, seemed to get healthier through the week as it prepared for Sunday’s 3:05 p.m. game against the 49ers at Levi’s Stadium.

Cornerback Janoris Jenkins (knee) was the only player not practicing on Friday. Jenkins, a third-year starter, was hurt in the victory over Seattle but returned to finish the game. He sat out last weekend’s game in Kansas City and did not practice at all this this week. He’s listed as questionable, as were safety Rodney McLeod (knee), linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar (toe) and Aaron Donald (shoulder).

All were limited in practice Friday.

“I can’t say with precision who could play right now and who can’t,” Rams coach Jeff Fisher said following Thursday’s workout. “We may even have some pregame warm-up decisions early Sunday.”

Listed as probable after going through full workouts on Friday were defensive end William Hayes (foot), guard Rodger Saffold (shoulder), centers Scott Wells (elbow) and Tim Barnes (shoulder), wide receiver Kenny Britt (hip), safety Cody Davis (concussion), defensive back Lamarcus Joyner (hip) and cornerbacks Marcus Roberson (ankle) and Trumaine Johnson (knee).

It appears Johnson, a third-year pro and a returning starter, could be in line for his first action of the season. He suffered a sprained MCL early in the Rams’ preseason win over the Browns in Cleveland on Aug. 23.

And it’s possible the starting offensive line against the 49ers could be without just one starter _ left tackle Jake Long.

For San Francisco, which is coming off its bye week, linebacker Patrick Willis (toe) and cornerback Tramaine Brock (toe) were limited on Friday and listed questionable while safety Jimmie Ward (quadriceps) and cornerback Chris Culliver (hamstring) are probable after going through full workouts on Friday.

October 31, 2014 at 9:46 pm #10924

zn
Moderator

Cornerback Janoris Jenkins (knee) was the only player not practicing on Friday.

November 1, 2014 at 1:02 am #10933

RamBill
Participant

Cornerback Johnson eager to get back on the field
• By Joe Lyons

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/cornerback-johnson-eager-to-get-back-on-the-field/article_7345f56f-3b96-541d-b8d3-8a20c0ac2f39.html

For Rams cornerback Trumaine Johnson, the wait is nearly over.

Johnson, a returning starter selected in the third round of the 2012 draft, went down with a knee injury in the Rams’ preseason victory over the Browns in Cleveland on Aug. 23 and has been working his way back ever since. After full participation in practice Thursday and Friday, he is probable for Sunday’s game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium.

“I’m feeling great, feeling a little better every day,’’ the 26-year-old Johnson said following Friday’s workout. “I’m excited and anxious to play again. The toughest part, to be honest with you, is probably getting my conditioning back. It’s been a while since I’ve had any live reps.

“When you’re injured, you have to have patience. I’m trying to stay positive, knowing that when the time is right, I’ll get my chance. Like I said, I’m excited, especially about going back to California and being in front of my family. I guess we’ll see how things go on game day.’’

Both Rams head coach Jeff Fisher and defensive coordinator Gregg Williams are looking forward to getting Johnson back.

“We’re encouraged,’’ Fisher said, referring to Johnson’s work in practice this week. “He’ll help in the matchups against the bigger receivers. … He’s progressively improved. … It may take a couple weeks to get back in the swing of things, (but) we’ll be able to use him at some point in the game.’’

At 6 feet 2 and 208 pounds, Johnson is by far the biggest of the Rams’ cornerbacks. In 32 career games, including 12 starts a year ago, he has 87 tackles, 19 pass defenses and five interceptions.

“I need to see him,’’ Williams said. “I haven’t had a chance to be in very many games with him yet, live games, (but) he’s played well here for a couple of years. A healthy Trumaine will add to the mix and give us a chance to play a little more man-to-man in situations. He’s got good awareness, good range. He’s one of those guys that can run as well as he runs but yet he’s a tall guy. You don’t have many guys like that in the league.

“He’s progressing well, so we’ll see what Jeff decides to do on game day.’’

MORE INJURY NEWS

The Rams split time Friday, following up on an outdoor walk-through with an indoor practice.

“We needed to throw (and) we needed to kick, so we came in,’’ Fisher said. “Kind of flipped it. You usually have the walk-through inside and then go outside. We had a good day.’’

The team, which made 18 roster moves this week to deal with injuries, seemed to get healthier as the week progressed. On Friday, the only player unable to practice was starting cornerback Janoris Jenkins, who hurt his knee in the victory over Seattle but returned to finish the Oct. 19 contest. He sat out last weekend’s game in Kansas City and did not practice at all this this week. He’s listed as questionable, as are safety Rodney McLeod (knee), linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar (toe) and defensive tackle Aaron Donald (shoulder).

All were limited in practice Friday.

“I can’t say with precision who could play right now and who can’t,’’ Fisher said. “We may even have some pregame warm-up decisions early Sunday.’’

Listed as probable after going through full workouts Friday were defensive end William Hayes (foot), guard Rodger Saffold (shoulder), centers Scott Wells (elbow) and Tim Barnes (shoulder), wide receiver Kenny Britt (hip), safety Cody Davis (concussion), defensive back Lamarcus Joyner (hip) and cornerbacks Marcus Roberson (ankle) and Johnson (knee).

For San Francisco, linebacker Patrick Willis (toe) and cornerback Tramaine Brock (toe) were limited in practice Friday and listed as questionable for Sunday, while safety Jimmie Ward (quadriceps) and cornerback Chris Culliver (hamstring) are probable after going through full practices on Friday.

HEKKER-HARBAUGH CONNECTION

Rams punter Johnny Hekker has a unique relationship with 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh. At Oregon State, Hekker roomed with Harbaugh’s son, Jay.

“Jay’s one of my best friends,’’ Hekker said. “We roomed together as freshmen in the dorms; he was a coaching assistant and I was a walk-on punter. From there, we moved into a townhouse with four or five other guys and ended up living together for four years.’’

Jay Harbaugh is in his third season as an offensive assistant coach for the Baltimore Ravens, where his uncle John is the head coach.

“Jay worked his butt off at Oregon State; he’s a guy I think you’ll see continue to climb the coaching ranks,’’ Hekker said. “He’s nowhere near as intense as his dad — Jay’s not a screamer, he’s a little more reserved — but he’s every bit as passionate about football.’’

Because he was busy coaching at Stanford and later in San Francisco, Jim Harbaugh didn’t make many visits to to see his son in Corvallis. On Sunday, there’s a good chance Hekker and the San Francisco coach will meet up.“I don’t see him as this big, scary coach,’’ Hekker said. “He’s just Jay’s dad.’’
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