There was a stranger on the practice field Wednesday at Rams Park. Defensive tackle Michael Brockers joined his teammates, on a limited basis, for the first time since suffering an ankle sprain in the St. Louis Rams preseason finale. The news signals that the first-round pick is giant leap closer to returning to the game day lineup.
Brockers himself said that he expects to play this week against the Seattle Seahawks. That decision might have to wait. He also admitted that the ankle was not fully healed. Head coach Jeff Fisher said that the Rams would have a better idea about Brockers' availability later in the week. It could still come down to a game-time decision.
Fisher would certainly like to have Brockers back in the lineup. Not only does the LSU product provide some serious heft against the run, his power could help the defensive line get more push in the middle. So far, pressure from inside has been hard to find, and most of the heavy lifting is being done by Chris Long who leads all NFL 4-3 defensive ends in total quarterback pressure.
Defensive tackle Matt Conrath also practiced today, which means the Rams could have a much larger rotation of players this week.