It's getting closer to reality. Free agent offensive tackle Jake Long and the St. Louis Rams are working on a deal now, and according to the latest report from Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, it could happen soon.

Sounds like #Rams & OT Jake Long are hammering out a deal. Could have a resolution soon, barring any snags. They are OK with him medically

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 14, 2013

Of course, the real news here isn't that the Rams and Long and close on a deal, it's that Long checked out medically with the team. That was obviously a chief concern for the Rams, or any team, pursuing Long in free agency this year.

Injuries have been the overarching theme for the Rams offensive line in recent years, dating back to the days of Marc Bulger. It was a problem last season too. Center Scott Wells, who signed a four-year, $24 million deal last spring, ended up playing seven games. The difference between last season's injuries was that the team did a much better job finding quality depth and coaching up those young players.