St. Louis Rams injury news: TE Michael Hoomanawanui out two weeks, at least

The St. Louis Rams revealed today that they will be without TE Michael Hoomanawanui for at least two weeks. The second year tight end has a strained calf, which he suffered yesterday in practice. Tough break for the Rams and Hoomanawanui, who missed 8 games in his rookie season with ankle injuries.

Life without Hoomanawanui could have a real impact on the Rams' offense, which was supposed to feature a healthy does of 2-TE sets. Illinois Mike should be back in time for the regular season, but he will miss preseason play and practice time that would have otherwise been used to get him up to speed on his role in the offensive system. Remember, he already missed the preseason opener and a significant amount of practice time with a concussion this year. 

As far as a roster decision, he's too talented and too much a part of the game plan for the Rams to leave off the final roster; however, by keeping him, it could mean another tight end who has practiced gets cut. It makes you wonder if they won't keep four tight ends, with Hoomanawanui, Lance Kendricks, Billy Bajema and Fendi Onobun. Onobun would surely get plucked off the practice squad. One of the undrafted rookies, depending on how much of the system they grasp in the days ahead, could be sent to the practice squad, ready to be plucked in case of injury. 

In other news, head coach Steve Spagnuolo offered Danario Alexander to have his surgically repaired knee cleaned up surgically, but DX refused, opting to play through it. That earned him the label "one tough sucker" from Spagnuolo.