:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49807685/usa-today-8858412.0.jpg)
Yesterday, Stedman Bailey was waived by the Los Angeles Rams with an "injured non-football activity" designation. After Bailey cleared waivers, he was added to the team's non-football injury list:
Stedman Bailey cleared waivers today, so he's now officially on the Rams' non-football injury list. Won't count against roster limit.
— Jack Wang (@thejackwang) June 8, 2016
Today, we learned that Fisher is interested in keeping Bailey around in some type of coaching capacity, if Bailey is interested:
Jeff Fisher said Stedman Bailey could help the Rams in a coaching role this season. Not cleared to play after seeing multiple specialists.
— Jack Wang (@thejackwang) June 8, 2016
On Stedman Bailey, Jeff Fisher said he's going to be "selfish" and give Bailey a chance to work with coaching side and see how he likes it.
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) June 8, 2016
As noted before, Bailey has been doing some "coaching" with receivers during OTAs. Also has special teams background and could help there.
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) June 8, 2016
If this is true, this could actually be a very good thing for both parties. Bailey gets to stay around NFL football and continue to work his way back from a life-threatening condition. He won't count against the Rams' 90 man roster. The Rams get a chance to see if Bailey can reach the WR corps at "peer" level.
Bailey had developed into one of the Rams' better route runners last year, and was becoming a reliable target before his four-game suspension and head injury. He has an obvious rapport with incumbent WR's Tavon Austin, Kenny Britt, Brian Quick and Bradley Marquez.
With a new and demanding WR coach in Mike Groh, Bailey's experience in this offense and a group of green and unproven wide receivers to teach, this makes sense.
As ESPN's Nick Wagoner points out, a similar option was given to 2015 6th round draft pick Bud Sasser:
Some may remember, Rams gave WR Bud Sasser opportunity in alumni/youth football last year when he was unable to pass physical after draft.
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) June 8, 2016
It's clear that Fisher is fine with player-coaches. After all, he was one with the Chicago Bears under Buddy Ryan.