Has rookie Jason Smith been promoted to first team? Well . . .
Make of it what you will, but some sideline observers found it curious that with Richie Incognito held out of St. Louis Rams practice Sunday because of a mild knee sprain, Adam Goldberg took over his spot at right guard, with rookie Jason Smith stationed at right tackle with the first-team offense.
Goldberg had been working almost exclusively at tackle during training camp, and most of the time on the right side with the No. 1 unit. Smith was being used mostly in a backup role, getting snaps on both sides of the line.
Could it be that Smith, the No. 2 overall pick in April’s draft, finally has been promoted to the starting lineup? Tight-lipped coach Steve Spagnuolo provided no info. But we’ll see what happens over the next couple of days.
Notes & quotes
*Spagnuolo was pleased with the team’s first practice since Thursday night’s preseason win at Cincinnati. “I thought they got after it pretty good,” he said. “Sometimes after two days (off) you’re a little sluggish coming out, but this team has continually responded.”
*QB Marc Bulger tested the broken pinky finger on his right hand, tossing 21 passes before practice began. He didn’t take any snaps from center.
*FB Mike Karney left early with soreness in the ankle that he sprained earlier in camp and kept him out for about two weeks.
*X-rays of CB Justin King’s thumb were negative, and he practiced without any apparent problems. WR Keenan Burton, who tweaked an ankle vs. the Bengals, also participated fully.
*DE Leonard Little (knee) was kept out of team drills and remains day-to-day.
*Plenty of tickets are available for Thursday night’s preseason finale vs. the Chiefs at the Edward Jones Dome. Go to for www.stlouisrams.com for information.
*S David Roach, fighting for a roster spot, made a pretty, leaping interception of a Keith Null pass in the 11-on-11 session.
*Although Spagnuolo wouldn’t acknowledge as much, it appears as if Jonathan Wade is making a serious challenge to Tye Hill for the first-team CB spot alongside Ron Bartell. Wade has a team-high 12 tackles in the three preseason games; Hill has two.
All for now . . .
Let’s face reality - Tye Hill is a first round bust. It can’t be seen any other way. If Wade is our starting CB then we’re in for another tough year.
The Rams drafts the last 8 years have been horrendous and are the reason this team is as bad as it is and will be bad for years to come. We have so much money tied up in first and second round busts that quality free agents just can’t be had. The best we will be for several more years is a team comprised of 3rd and 4th rounders, which produces a mediocre record, at best. I love the Rams and love the new coach, but the front office, Linehan, and Martz have left this team in dire straights.
It’s funny how they would mention in the notes how David Roach made a leaping interception in practice. Since he can’t do it in a game then why is he still on the roster.
D Nice - the first cut down day is not until Tuesday. Very few people have been cut around the league at this point.
Smith has a long way too go before he is ready to start in the NFL. So if he is our 1st string we are really in trouble
I hate to say it, but we are in trouble. Two road games to start the season and we have not been “road warriors” for many seasons. Then a home opener against Green Bay, who always kicks our butts. It may actually get worse before it gets better. If Jackson cannot handle 25 carries a game and gets hurt…..well he has not proved himself to be durable. 6-10 is a pipe dream. Yes I will still go to every game…lets win at home…PLEASE
52 million dollars tied up in a secondary that hasn’t produced a single probowler is why we’re in the situation we’re in now…
You’d think the posters here would be happy that the team is progressing for the first time in years. There is so much to be positive about, but you guys sound so…doom and gloom.
I believe it will be a positive year, and players who haven’t been viewed as being solid or productive will step up and surprize you. Why do I think that…because of the coach. He’s the real deal, and this team will be too, no matter what happened last year, or the years before.
Careful big man, I wouldn’t want you to get hit by any stars or planets or clouds for that matter.
Jonathan Wade a Starter? NO WAY!!! I’m so much faster then he is!!! Who cares if he can tackle and cover better then me, this is about speed and I have more then anybody plus I stand 5′4 and weigh 140lbs so these is less wind resistance. If the Raams cut me the Raiders w/ Al Davis will be all over me!