Rams WR Donnie Avery out for the season

By now you've heard that the St. Louis Rams have lost WR Donnie Avery for the season. Now what?

First and foremost, I wonder how/if this team can replace Avery at this point in time. Robinson can be a deep threat, but he had a nice mix with Avery on the field. It stinks for the Rams who because the team had a balanced group of receivers. Avery had the most to prove after a sophomore slump that had many wondering whether or not he could ever make an impact. This could have been the year, and it's not as though all is lost. Sam Bradford will be another year in the league and the Rams should be a better team because of it. His spot won't be guaranteed at that point, and questions about whether or not he can stay healthy will never go away.

Ultimately, the Rams have a decent young group of receivers, providing they all stay healthy...such a timeless caveat with this team. The surprising strength at TE could ease the burden a bit too. This would be a good opportunity for Keenan Burton to step up and earn a bigger role. Mardy Gilyard will be closely looked at through the week ahead to see if all that potential can start to be polished in time for the season; he looked sharp against the Patriots. Brandon Gibson, last year's pleasant surprise, had a nice game too after missing the first two; he could allow the Rams to mix up looks between him and Laurent Robinson.

The first round of roster cutdowns, from 80 to 75, happen Tuesday. I wonder if the Rams will make a move to bring in another receiver now, wait and see what happens or hold steady until final rosters are due on Sep. 4?

The Rams will emerge from Avery' loss, but it does hurt.