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First, the good news. The offensive line is getting healthier. The defensive line too; William Hayes worked his back into practice on Thursday too. St. Louis Rams head coach Jeff Fisher talked more about the injury situation after practice.
Jake Long & Scott Wells
The Rams left tackle was spotted in the huddle with the starting group. He didn't take all the reps in practice, but he's getting closer to being ready to go in Week 1, recovering from his ACL tear and surgery. The same goes for Wells, to a degree. The veteran center didn't take as many reps as Long. Neither one did individual pass rushing drills.
"They've been working hard. We've just got to ease them back into it, Fisher said. "No issues today so we'll get some more reps tomorrow but it's good to get them back in. Good to have Jake's presence in the offensive huddle again, so that's encouraging."
William Hayes
He did more work than either of the offensive linemen. Hayes did have three offseason surgeries, but it would be a surprise if he wasn't ready for the opener too.
"We're close," Fisher said. "Two came back today, we've got a couple guys who are just a day or two away but we're in good shape right now."
Trumaine Johnson
The third-year starting corner returned to action today too. He missed some time with a hamstring issue, the normal kind of so-called "soft tissue" stuff that plagues players this time of year.
James Laurinaitis
JL55 left the field today limping. He got his left ankle stepped on during practice.
"Yeah, I don't know anything about it right now," Fisher said. "He got stepped on we're going to check it out."
It doesn't sound like it's anything too serious. Teams are extra careful this time of year.
LB James Laurinaitis got stepped on in team drills, appeared to tweak left ankle and left early. Didn't look serious but he limped off.
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) August 1, 2014
Something to keep an eye on.