MEQUON, Wis. (Camp Day 8/early report)

The news that former Rams offensive lineman Andy McCollum had landed a job with the Lions was welcome Friday morning at training camp. McCollum, 38, spent nine years with the Rams and was a member of both Super Bowl teams during the St. Louis era.

He was quiet, but very popular, in the locker room, and his dry sense of humor was highly unappreciated by many. McCollum’s “Doughnut Brother,” fellow O-lineman Adam Timmerman, was released after the 2006 season and hasn’t found work in the NFL since then.

McCollum’s contract expired after the ‘07 season, and the Rams chose not to re-sign him. Still, he was on their radar screen, coach Scott Linehan assured.

“I told him, ‘You’re the first person we’ll call if we have some kind of an issue in the interior of our line or at center,’” Linehan said. “Andy will do great (in Detroit), and I wish him nothing but the best.”

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The starting time for Saturday’s scrimmage at Concordia University has been moved up to 9:50 a.m. It will be the team’s only scrimmage during its stay in Mequon. Admission is free, but campus parking is $5. Saturday’s forecast high is 82 degrees, with a 20 percent chance of rain.

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Returning from the injury list for Friday morning’s practice were center Brett Romberg (hand), wide receiver Marques Hagans (hamstring) and cornerback David Macklin (hamstring). Veteran defensive tackle La’Roi Glover was given the morning off.

All for now . . . more following the afternoon practice.