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On Wednesday, the NFL/NFLPA announced an agreement on improvements to their policy regarding performance enhancing substances. As a result of this change in policy, Rams' wide receiver Stedman Bailey was officially reinstated to the 53-man roster yesterday:
NFL just sent out release announcing finalized drug policy. Rams WR Stedman Bailey has officially been reinstated, eligible to play now.
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) September 17, 2014
Until Wednesday, Bailey had been on the Reserve/Suspended list, due to a four-game suspension for violating the league's policy on performance enhancing substances. His reinstatement reduced the suspension to the first two games of the regular season.
There was much speculation regarding who he would replace on the roster, following his return from suspension. The decision was made much easier - unfortunately - due to Chris Long's injury (and subsequent placement on the Injured Reserve - Designated For Return list). Following Long's injury, DT Matt Conrath was signed from the practice squad to replace him on the roster.
To make room for Bailey on the 53-man roster, Conrath was released on Monday:
Rams coach Jeff Fisher just wrapped up news conference. Confirmed that release of DT Matt Conrath done in anticipation of Bailey's return.
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) September 15, 2014
On Tuesday, the Rams released LB Kevin Reddick from the practice squad, clearing the way for Conrath's return to the practice squad:
Rams release LB Kevin Reddick from PS.
— Jim Thomas (@jthom1) September 16, 2014
Conrath cleared waivers on Tuesday, and was subsequently added to the practice squad:
BTW, DL Matt Conrath has been added to the practice squad and was at practice Weds.
— Jim Thomas (@jthom1) September 17, 2014
Poor Matt Conrath doesn't know whether he's coming or going these days, having been released twice in the last month.
St. Louis Rams Roster And Depth Chart
C Scott Wells Tim Barnes Barrett Jones RG Davin Joseph LG Rodger Saffold Greg Robinson RT Joe Barksdale LT Jake Long Mike Person TE Lance Kendricks Cory Harkey TE Jared Cook Alex Bayer WR Tavon Austin Austin Pettis Stedman Bailey WR Brian Quick Kenny Britt Chris Givens RB Benny Cunningham Chase Reynolds Trey Watts RB Zac Stacy Tre Mason QB Shaun Hill Austin Davis Case Keenum PK Greg Zuerlein P John Hekker LS Jake McQuaide DT Kendall Langford Aaron Donald DT Michael Brockers Alex Carrington DE William Hayes Eugene Sims DE Robert Quinn Ethan Westbrooks MLB James Laurinaitis OLB Alec Ogletree Daren Bates OLB Jo-Lonn Dunbar Ray Ray Armstrong CB Janoris Jenkins Brandon McGee CB Trumaine Johnson E.J. Gaines Marcus Roberson FS Rodney McLeod Cody Davis Lamarcus Joyner SS T.J. McDonald Maurice Alexander Practice Squad IR - Des. For Return Injured Reserve OT Mike Remmers DE Chris Long TE Mason Brodine OL Brandon Washington RB Isaiah Pead DE Kourtnei Brown QB Sam Bradford WR Justin Veltung OC Demetrius Rhaney DT Matt Conrath TE Brad Smelley QB Garrett Gilbert FS Christian Bryant WR Emory Blake LB Denicos Allen
I've updated the roster to reflect all transactions as of 11.00 pm Wednesday, September 17.
The Rams are carrying 18 offensive skill position players on the roster at this time: 3 QB's, 6 WR's, 5 RB's, and 4 TE's. In contrast, the Rams remain perilously thin at linebacker, and on the offensive line.