The St. Louis Rams received mixed news on the injury front in practice today. Unfortunately, one piece of injury news could have serious implications. Injuries were not the only story out of practice today either, as it looks like the Rams made a chance in their starting lineup.
Second year tight end Michael Hoomanawanui suffered a calf injury in practice today. Unfortunately, it could be a rather serious one. Head coach Steve Spagnuolo said that it might be "significant" and the team was watching the situation closely. That's a bad break for a talented player who has now earned the dreaded label of injury prone. He missed the first preseason game with a concussion, and missed half the season last year. The Rams were counting on his blocking ability and reliable hands for the much discussed 2-tight end sets. Fendi Onobun has a real shot at the roster now. He bulked up heading into the season, so we'll see if that pays off. Billy Bajema's roster spot as a blocking specialist looks safe.
Danario Alexander missed practice to have an MRI on his knee, the same knee that's been under the knife five times. Nothing was wrong, but it's another reminder that Alexander's injury history makes a long NFL career a stretch. It might even be a deciding factor when roster cuts come.
In lineup news, linebackers Ben Leber and Brady Poppinga worked with the first team today. They replaced Na'il Diggs and Bryan Kehl. Both Kehl and Diggs struggled with their assignments and gave up some costly run against the Titans this week. Leber and the linebackers behind them played a better game.
Those probably aren't the last lineup changes we'll see, and the depth chart will surely look a little different against the Chiefs this week. What other lineup changes would you make?