Backup running backs and Vobora on the bubble

by Ryan Van Bibber on Sep 1, 2010 3:38 PM CDT in St. Louis Rams news

A couple of afternoon updates to share. The first two deal with the St. Louis Rams' search for a running back to play behind Steven Jackson. The second item is a surprising roster prediction.

Derrick Ward was released by Tampa Bay as teams scaled down their rosters from 80 to 75 players. Signed as a free agent last season, Ward was a disappointment in Tampa Bay and was criticized during this offseason for being out of shape. Earlier speculation that the Rams could be interested, based on their interest prior to the 2009 season, was swatted down today with reports confirming Ward's awfulness. Nevertheless, ESPN 101's Brian Stull reports that Ward would be interested in a reunion of sorts with Spagnuolo. I suspect the Rams will pass.

Willie Parker will get one last long look from the Redskins in preseason play this week, before they make a decision about whether or not to keep him. Keep an eye on how Parker looks yourself.

Finally, Mike Sando has a post with his thoughts on the direction of the Rams' final roster. Not too many surprises, but he includes LB David Vobora as "on the bubble." Vobora has been solid for the Rams, and his preseason play has been consistent with what he showed on the field last season. If the Rams cut Vobora, he won't last on the wire very long. For Sando it comes down to special teams play, hence his inclusion of Chris Chamberlain on the safe side of roster cuts. Vobora will make the final cut; he's too valuable as a guy who can start any of the three LB spots in this defense. Josh Hull will end up on the practice squad. However, Hull is a guy to keep your eye on as well. The last player picked by the Rams in the draft, a Penn State product, has quietly had a very nice preseason.

Tweet Comment 16 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

I was shocked that Sando thought Chamberlain was safe.

Chamberlain has looked awful any time I’ve noticed him. Maybe his special teams play is good. I dunno. I know he’s really good and playing horrible pass defense. He seems to have the speed of an offensive tackle.

I can take a beating ... I'm a Rams fan.

by Midasknight on Sep 1, 2010 3:52 PM CDT reply actions

lol he's our fastest LB on madden with like 83 speed lmao

Bradford to Onobun!

by Infemous on Sep 1, 2010 4:02 PM CDT up reply actions

lmao

i was gonna say that. madden 2010 i played a 3-4 d and put him in at one of the linebackers with chris long on the other side worked brilliant.

by keeperskillz24 on Sep 1, 2010 7:26 PM CDT up reply actions

I’m positive the LB corps is gonna be this. Laurinaitis, Diggs, Grant, Carpenter, Vobora, Hull

The name's Rams, St. Louis Rams.

by Bond_007x on Sep 1, 2010 4:22 PM CDT reply actions

Maybe, but Hull

looked terrible on special teams against the Pats. He was the guy taken out of the play that broke open the opening TD. He engaged with just one blocker and never got off him to make a play on the runner. Since he’s not going to be starting, he needs to play special teams better than that.

by andyhawk on Sep 1, 2010 5:01 PM CDT up reply actions

Also

Got spun around on another long return.

by 81 Witness on Sep 1, 2010 5:12 PM CDT up reply actions

I'd like to hang on to Vobora

I thought with Vobora starting at the end of the year last season and with his name being mentioned constantly when he does get on the field during the preseason, that he would be a shoe-in to make the team. You gotta admit, when he has gotten on the field, he gets involved in just about every play whether he makes the tackle or assists in the tackle. If we let him go, I see him as our next Scott Shanle or Brandon Chillar. Late draft picks who were eventually let go and became solid starters with the Packers and Saints respectively.

by NachoD on Sep 1, 2010 5:10 PM CDT reply actions

IMHO Vobora should be starting at SLB

The name's Rams, St. Louis Rams.

by Bond_007x on Sep 1, 2010 5:40 PM CDT up reply actions

Take the train Vobora. You'll always be Mr. Irrelevant and we've got a team full of backups.

by RamChop on Sep 1, 2010 7:31 PM CDT reply actions

You say this based on the superior play of the other LBs?

I understand you’re frustrated with the lack of talent on the team, but are all the other LBs really better?

I thought Vobora did well last year relative to the rest of the LB crew.

"I have something 95 percent of all those All-Stars only wish they had: a World Series ring. If I had to choose between that and being an All-Star, it would be no contest. I’d grab the gold ring and never look back." -Tim Salmon

by BruinHalo on Sep 1, 2010 7:54 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

quote: "I thought Vobora did well last year relative to the rest of the LB crew."

Let’s see that would’ve been JL and Paris Lenon. Well you’re half right. Nobody was worse than Lenon and nobody on Defense was as good as Animal Jr. Vobora’s a career backup quality at best. The more losers we can get rid of from the last few years, the better.

by RamChop on Sep 1, 2010 9:14 PM CDT up reply actions