Rams Roster Cuts: Is This It For Danario Alexander?

NFL roster cuts are happening Monday, the first round of them anyway as teams go from 90 to 75 players. The St. Louis Rams got a jump on the process on Sunday, cutting at least four players. They have 11 more cuts to make before the 3 p.m. Eastern deadline. Of all the potential cuts, fans will be watching to see what happens with wide receiver Danario Alexander.

Alexander has yet to play in one of the Rams' three preseason games. He has barely had any practice time as a lingering hamstring issue is keeping him out of action. Alexander possesses tremendous talent. At 6-foot-5, 217 pounds, the former Mizzou standout fits the profile of what so many teams are looking for in a wide receiver.

Injuries have stunted his career since his college playing days. Four knee surgeries made him available as an undrafted rookie in 2010, when the Rams took a flyer on him with a modestly priced, four-year contract. He had his fifth knee surgery, a scope, after being signed by the Rams that year.

Through two seasons with the Rams, DX has played in a total of 18 games, out of a possible 32. He has 46 receptions for 737 yards and three touchdowns during that stretch.

The Rams lack many options for Alexander. He cannot land on the PUP list to start the season because he actually has practiced with the team during training camp as part of the active roster. (Here's a refresher on PUP and practice squad rules).

Alexander has one year left on his contract. The Rams could put him on injured reserve. It means that he will not see the field at all this season, but could be back in 2013 for one more chance with the team. The problem here is that DX has a hamstring injury, not exactly a season-ender.

The talent is there, but Alexander's injuries have prevented him from maximizing it. The most likely outcome is that the Rams cut him, opting instead to fill the back end of six or seven receiver spots on the depth chart with players who can practice as well as contribute on special teams.