Rams Injury News: Roster Implications As The Walking Wounded Return

St. Louis Rams head coach Jeff Fisher delivered what is perhaps the best news of all for his team's first two preseason games. The Rams managed to walk away from a 31-17 win over the Kansas City Chiefs in their second preseason game with only one sore wide receiver, Brian Quick. One sore back, is the sum total of the team's injuries the day after the game. Fisher had other positive news on the injury front to share with the press, and Tony Softli, at his day-after press conference.

Bradley Fletcher, Brandon Gibson, Darian Stewart and Scott Wells should all be back in action this week. Those players could also make an appearance in next Saturday's preseason game at Dallas. All of those injuries are likely to have an impact on the depth chart and the shape of the final 53-man roster.

Fletcher had been working as the team's third corner in nickel packages, with Cortland Finnegan moving inside to cover the slot. (Finnegan covers the slot exceptionally well and also does some blitzing from there). Jerome Murphy, Josh Gordy and Trumaine Johnson have all taken turns with the first-team nickel group while Fletcher sat out the first two preseason games. Will Fletcher keep his third spot on the depth chart?

Stewart and Craig Dahl were alternating as the second starting safety, but Stewart has been sidelined through both preseason games so far. With him back in action, the team will have to decide which one takes on the role as the ostensible starter.

Brandon Gibson was the story of camp through the first two weeks, but a hamstring injury kept him out of action in both preseason tilts. He had been working with the first team, and may not automatically get that job back, given the work of Steve Smith, Danny Amendola and the others in his stead.

This will be the first action for Wells since the spring practices. Robert Turner has done a fine job in his place, and should have the backup job sewn up. Keep an eye out to see whether or not Turner gets some reps at guard with Wells back in action. Of course, keep an eye on Wells too. He knows the game, but how much time will he need to gel with the offensive line? Wells and Bradford have been working together without pads, so that transition may be fine.

No mention of Danario Alexander, whose chances of making the final cut decline with each missed day of practice. Those missed days are starting to add up for DX too.