Some roster cuts by the Rams

Rams get back to practice on what Jeff Fisher calls a ‘difficult day’

Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/20910/rams-get-back-to-practice-on-what-jeff-fisher-calls-a-difficult-day

EARTH CITY, Mo. — The St. Louis Rams had their first official practice since Saturday’s preseason loss to the Indianapolis Colts. It was a quick, one and a half hour workout but it came after one of Rams coach Jeff Fisher’s least favorite activities: cutting players.

Fisher annually makes it a point to break the news to the players in person when they’re being released. He did so again Monday when the team trimmed its roster to 77 players through a mix of roster moves. They still have two more moves to make to get to the league-mandated total of 75 by Tuesday.

“We just appreciate all the young guys’ efforts,” Fisher said. “They came in here and they got opportunities and they got better and they should feel good about what they did. They helped us become a better football team. Cutdown day is a tough day.”

The Rams made 12 roster moves Monday, releasing 10 undrafted rookies, terminating the contract of wide receiver Damian Williams and placing cornerback E.J. Gaines on injured reserve. Fisher said the moves can be difficult to make this week because there’s still a final preseason game to play on Thursday night. Since many of the starters won’t play at all or will be limited in their work, that means many of the players released Monday would have played prominent roles on Thursday.

That puts the onus on the coaching staff to figure out who they can release and who they need to keep to make the numbers work.

“That was why some of the moves ended the way they did because you have got to take into consideration playing the fourth preseason game, the end of the game, how you finish, your numbers and things like that,” Fisher said.

The only player qualifying as even a mild surprise on the initial cuts was cornerback Imoan Claiborne, who had played well in preseason games and was known for landing a punch on Dallas receiver Dez Bryant in joint practices with the Cowboys almost two weeks ago.

“He’s played good,” Fisher said. “He’s a defensive practice squad candidate but just because of the other positions and numbers, it just didn’t work out for us. We’ve got depth there, the other two young guys are doing good. Those are our decisions. We have to stand by our decisions.”

The Rams have two more immediate decisions to make to get to 75 and then will make 22 more by Saturday at 4 p.m. ET when they must get down to their initial 53-man roster.

The Rams practiced indoors Monday because of lightning in the area. Fisher said the Rams’ rule is that anytime there is lightning in a 12 to 15 mile radius, the team will practice inside.
Among those not practicing: RB Tre Mason (hamstring), CB Brandon McGee (foot), OL Andrew Donnal (finger), G Jamon Brown (ankle), LB Daren Bates (knee), G Rodger Saffold (shoulder), DT Michael Brockers (shoulder), LB Jo-Lonn Dunbar, DT Doug Worthington and DT Nick Fairley (collarbone).
Without projected starters Saffold and Brown, the Rams used Demetrius Rhaney at right guard and Garrett Reynolds at left guard with the starting unit. Tim Barnes took his turn as the top center.
Safety Cody Davis had yet another interception on a deflected pass in team drills. He’s been getting one seemingly every other day in practice for the past couple of weeks. … Receiver Brian Quick and quarterback Case Keenum connected on a deep ball over cornerback Trovon Reed for a would-be touchdown.
The Rams have one more practice Tuesday before a Wednesday night walk through at Scott Air Force Base and Thursday’s preseason finale.

Ram notes: Young, undrafted D-linemen have Fisher’s attention

Joe Lyons

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/ram-notes-young-undrafted-d-linemen-have-fisher-s-attention/article_23fb3891-1662-5ec9-8ef2-fcb204dba4ca.html

They are the youngsters, two of the new guys on a Rams defensive line loaded with talent and experience.

But undrafted rookies Louis Trinca-Pasat from Iowa and ex-Northwest Missouri State star Matt Longacre are trying to force the coaching staff into making some tough roster decisions.

“Both have been really impressive,’’ Rams coach Jeff Fisher said after Saturday night’s preseason loss to the Indianapolis Colts at the Edward Jones Dome. “Matt’s playing both ends and Trinca-Pasat’s playing both tackles. They just make plays. They shock and shed people and get off blocks and penetrate and put pressure on the quarterback, so it’s been great to have them here.’’

In Saturday’s game, Trinca-Pasat led both teams with 54 defensive snaps, with Longacre in on 42. Both were on the field for a pair of special-team plays.

“Just trying to make the most of every opportunity,’’ said Trinca-Pasat, a 6-foot-1, 292-pounder from Chicago who’s second behind linebacker Bryce Hager on the team with 15 preseason tackles to go along with three QB pressures and a QB hit. “I don’t ever want to say I’m doing the job because I always feel like there’s more work to be done. That’s just my mindset.

“As soon as you think you’ve done something, that’s when you get complacent.’’

The MIAA defensive player of the year as a senior, Longacre is right behind Trinca-Pasat with 13 overall tackles in the preseason. And he leads the squad with six QB pressures.

“You always want to play better, but I feel like I’m making the most of my chances,’’ said Longacre, a 6-2, 260-pounder from Omaha, Neb. “I’ve been able to put some good things on film, but the real key is the learning I’ve done here. You never know how the interaction is going to be, but the guys on the D-line have been incredible. They’ve taken us in, answered questions and helped us all along the way.’’

Trinca-Pasat added: “It’s a blessing, getting to work with this unit every day. These guys, this is the best D-line in the league, honestly, and working with them and with (defensive line coach Mike Waufle), I’ve learned so much since the start of OTAs.’’

Both players can expect to see plenty of action when the Rams close out the preseason Thursday against the Kansas City Chiefs at the Edward Jones Dome. After that, it’ll be final cuts to the 53-man roster.

“The Rams gave me a chance and I’m going to go as hard as I can to make the most of it,’’ Longacre said. “For me, the big thing is to come out of this experience with absolutely no regrets.”

The cuts “are definitely in the back of your mind, but it’s one of those things you cannot control, so it makes no sense to worry about it,’’ Trinca-Pasat said. “The focus is on the field, doing your best and working to get better every day.’’

OTHER DEFENSIVE LEADERS

Rookie linebacker Bryce Hager, a seventh-round draft pick from Baylor, leads the Rams with 16 overall tackles, including 13 solos. He also recovered a fumble early in the second half against the Colts to help set up a 3-yard TD run by Trey Watts.

“Bryce is getting better and better each week,’’ Fisher said. “He’s playing both inside and outside and on (special) teams for us.’’

Hager is the son of former NFL linebacker Britt Hager whose nine-year pro career wrapped up with the Rams in 1997.

Defensive back Lamarcus Joyner, a second-round draft pick in 2014, has 13 tackles (nine solos), tying him with Trinca-Pasat for second on the squad. Another second-year pro, defensive lineman Ethan Westbrooks has 11 tackles, including seven solos, and three QB pressures.

I still don’t get why they cut Palardy. When GZ misses wide right who are they going to bring in to miss wide left on the next one?

Ta-dum-dum.

Thanks, you’ve been a great crowd. I’ll be here all week.