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Rams wrap-up OTA practices, head for summer break
• By Jim Thomas
http://www.stltoday.com/sports/foot...cle_5e1276ea-9755-5dc3-aeb9-4e2eb1813fe3.html
The Rams closed their spring OTA experience with a "flourish," with the team's offensive and defensive linemen engaging in a punt-catching competition. Suffice it to say, Tavon Austin's return job is not in jeopardy. Even so, the big guys did better than expected.
Five defensive linemen successfully caught punts from the JUGs machine, compared to only three offensive linemen. The penalty for the losing team _ the O-line _ was running one wind sprint.
"I was pretty impressed," Fisher said. "Last year, I don't even think they touched a ball."
Not everyone got to leave after Thursday's practice, however. Rookies have to stay Friday (and then head to the Cleveland area for the NFL's rookie symposium). In addition several injured players must stay for more rehab work. Otherwise, the team is done until the start of training camp in late July.
Overall, Fisher was pleased with what he saw during the three-week period of practices.
"We told the guys you're not going to compete for the division here over the next couple weeks," Fisher said. "The only thing you do is set yourself back. So it was a step-by-step process, we got everything in, and we came through it very, very healthy. We got the rooks caught up which was good."
ROLL CALL
Not practicing Thursday were: WR Jamaine Sherman, S Christian Bryant, S Maurice Alexander (knee surgery), RB Chase Reynolds (sports hernia surgery), LB Ray Ray Armstrong, C Scott Wells, LT Jake Long (although he once again did individual drills), DT Michael Brockers (ankle), and DE William Hayes.
CB Trumaine Johnson and DT Kendall Langford participated Thursday after sitting out Tuesday's practice. S Matt Daniels who has been working his way back from knee surgery, actually took part in some "team" drills. WR Kenny Britt, who limped off late in Tuesday's session, practiced Thursday.
Of the group of players who have missed time, Fisher said only Bryant, and of course Long, may not be ready for the start of camp.
PRACTICE NOTES
For the first time during OTAs _ at least in a session open to the media _ Rodger Saffold worked at left tackle with the starting offense during 11-on-11 work. Davin Joseph worked at right guard with the starters.
_ For the first time during the OTA practices, QB Sam Bradford worked in back-to-back practices and looked sharp Thursday.
_ The catch of the day was made by Stedman Bailey, a leaping grab in the back of the end zone despite good coverage by T.J. McDonald, on a throw from Bradford during a 7-on-7 red zone session
_ Undrafted rookie defensive lineman Ethan Westbrooks tipped a pass and made an impressive interception. But he started running in the wrong direction with the INT before realizing the error of his ways.
_ Jo-Lonn Dunbar celebrated his interception by punting the ball during his return.
_ Once again, college referees took part in practice and threw a few flags during 11-on-11.
• By Jim Thomas
http://www.stltoday.com/sports/foot...cle_5e1276ea-9755-5dc3-aeb9-4e2eb1813fe3.html
The Rams closed their spring OTA experience with a "flourish," with the team's offensive and defensive linemen engaging in a punt-catching competition. Suffice it to say, Tavon Austin's return job is not in jeopardy. Even so, the big guys did better than expected.
Five defensive linemen successfully caught punts from the JUGs machine, compared to only three offensive linemen. The penalty for the losing team _ the O-line _ was running one wind sprint.
"I was pretty impressed," Fisher said. "Last year, I don't even think they touched a ball."
Not everyone got to leave after Thursday's practice, however. Rookies have to stay Friday (and then head to the Cleveland area for the NFL's rookie symposium). In addition several injured players must stay for more rehab work. Otherwise, the team is done until the start of training camp in late July.
Overall, Fisher was pleased with what he saw during the three-week period of practices.
"We told the guys you're not going to compete for the division here over the next couple weeks," Fisher said. "The only thing you do is set yourself back. So it was a step-by-step process, we got everything in, and we came through it very, very healthy. We got the rooks caught up which was good."
ROLL CALL
Not practicing Thursday were: WR Jamaine Sherman, S Christian Bryant, S Maurice Alexander (knee surgery), RB Chase Reynolds (sports hernia surgery), LB Ray Ray Armstrong, C Scott Wells, LT Jake Long (although he once again did individual drills), DT Michael Brockers (ankle), and DE William Hayes.
CB Trumaine Johnson and DT Kendall Langford participated Thursday after sitting out Tuesday's practice. S Matt Daniels who has been working his way back from knee surgery, actually took part in some "team" drills. WR Kenny Britt, who limped off late in Tuesday's session, practiced Thursday.
Of the group of players who have missed time, Fisher said only Bryant, and of course Long, may not be ready for the start of camp.
PRACTICE NOTES
For the first time during OTAs _ at least in a session open to the media _ Rodger Saffold worked at left tackle with the starting offense during 11-on-11 work. Davin Joseph worked at right guard with the starters.
_ For the first time during the OTA practices, QB Sam Bradford worked in back-to-back practices and looked sharp Thursday.
_ The catch of the day was made by Stedman Bailey, a leaping grab in the back of the end zone despite good coverage by T.J. McDonald, on a throw from Bradford during a 7-on-7 red zone session
_ Undrafted rookie defensive lineman Ethan Westbrooks tipped a pass and made an impressive interception. But he started running in the wrong direction with the INT before realizing the error of his ways.
_ Jo-Lonn Dunbar celebrated his interception by punting the ball during his return.
_ Once again, college referees took part in practice and threw a few flags during 11-on-11.