That was fast: Saffold practicing this morning

by Ryan Van Bibber on Aug 17, 2010 8:59 AM CDT in St. Louis Rams training camp

That noise? That was the huge sigh of relief emanating from the hundreds, no, thousands of fans upon hearing the news that rookie OT Rodger Saffold is back on the practice field this morning, a day after injuring his back and few days after the offensive line lapsed protection in their preseason debut.

So far, serious injuries have avoided the Rams, even if a plague of small ones present a death by a thousand cuts scenario.

Ron Bartell and Bradley Fletcher returned to practice yesterday, in limited work, giving the Rams two of their top players in an injury-depleted group of cornerbacks.

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You probably heard my sigh of relief from all the way up here in Chicago...

I guess this happens every year, but I am alarmed by the number and severity of injuries during training camp…I know this is a rough game, played by big and powerful men, but I wish we could strike a balance between seeing what these new players can do, and at the same time keep them relatively healthy. If the league really wants to cut out two exhibition games, it’s going to be harder for the staffs to have enough time to evaluate the newer players.

by tbell61 on Aug 17, 2010 9:32 AM CDT reply actions

Small, speedy players get hurt more often

Rams built a team on speed for indoor turf.

Rams are finding out that bulk WAS and IS the way to go.

by jlcdb70 on Aug 17, 2010 10:26 AM CDT reply actions

anyword on how murphy is doing?

i thought he got hurt in the game…no?

by jb22 on Aug 17, 2010 12:03 PM CDT reply actions

nvm found the answer

Murphy won’t be practicing this week according to Spags

by jb22 on Aug 17, 2010 12:05 PM CDT up reply actions

Does anyone think Saffold is making a stand here?

Like: “Hey guys, I’m a rookie OT that relies on the torque from my back to be effective, but even though I’m dinged and can be excused, I’m out here for my reps. Plus, I’m wearing Big O’s number. Stop crying about your little injuries. A guy named Youngblood once played for the Rams.”

Whether or not those are my own conspiracies, I’m liking this kid more and more just because he’s out there when he could sit.

"I was just letting the shots fly. You know, I don't leave any bullets in the chamber."

"Everything negative- pressure, challenges- is all an opportunity for me to rise."

-Kobe Bryant

Chris Mortensen: "You know it's the 'Show-Me' State right Sam?"

"Pshh, 'Show Me.' (smirking) Yeah, I've heard that."

-Sam Bradford

by TrojanRam on Aug 17, 2010 12:36 PM CDT via mobile reply actions

+1

I really like this guy, too!

by tbell61 on Aug 17, 2010 12:43 PM CDT up reply actions

or he smells blood in the water

a chance to unseat the incumbant LT? That’s probably more motivating than anything else.

by CoachConnors on Aug 17, 2010 12:50 PM CDT up reply actions

Jason Smith sure feels it, got into a fight with Chris Long

I don’t mind this at all. They need to be pissed off.

by CoachConnors on Aug 17, 2010 1:04 PM CDT reply actions

we were due some luck..

by Buck Nasty87 on Aug 17, 2010 1:17 PM CDT reply actions

I wish Barron was still a Ram - I know

I complained bitterly when the Rams traded Barron. Not because I thought he was a good tackle but I hated losing the depth. I despised his penalties as much as anyone and I always thought he was just an average tackle but I would love to see him on the bench as insurance with our history of injuries on the offensive line. Any one else out there feel they would rather see Barron instead of Carpenter on the Rams bench?

by 2cents on Aug 17, 2010 6:06 PM CDT reply actions

Count me in.

Carpenter is playing with the 3rd team and probably won’t see the field this season unless someone gets hurt. Barron wasn’t even above average, but he was reliable from a health viewpoint and could fill in for either Smith or Saffold if and when they get hurt.

by andyhawk on Aug 17, 2010 9:40 PM CDT up reply actions

I complained bitterly when it happened too

For all his drawbacks, Barron was the best OT the Rams had last year. I’ve always thought having 2 very inexperienced tackles to start the season was going to be pretty tough, especially if they’re trying to break in a rookie QB at the same time. Even if the tackles and QB are studs, I mean that’s a lot of rookieness in one very important unit.

I understand they want the guys to play and fast track their way to competitiveness, but to not backfill Barron with a vet made me a little sick because it was obvious there’d be days like our last game.

And to that point, no one should be too dismayed at what they saw in the last game. That was the best D line in the world vs. one of the youngest/most inexperienced, afterall. What could anyone realistically expect?

At this point there’s nothing to do but wait for them to get in synch. I’m sure they will, sooner or later. They’ll probably have periods where they look better than they really are too. Hopefully people can avoid making premature judgements either way, because inconsistant play is common for rookies and — as we all know — it takes a minute (or a year) for them to get acclimated.

by CoachConnors on Aug 18, 2010 6:52 PM CDT up reply actions