Sam: Hey Jim


Just wondering what the status was with avery? You think he will be back for the chargers game saturday? What was that mess out there we were calling an offensive line? it was very offensive to watch! pace was getting tore up and i know hes a little rusty but the rest of the guys looked like crap too. there gonna get bulger killed before the season starts if thats all they can do. Even if jackson comes back with that kind of blocking its not gonna matter.

Jim Thomas: Avery is back in pads and back on the practice field. He's doing individual drills and some "team" work as well. I'm not sure if he'll be ready for San Diego this Saturday, but he should be fine for Baltimore on Aug. 23.

Mathies(germany): Hey Jim,

why is jay Zygmunt so stupid, i mean he has to talk to steven jackson, he is the franchise!? Jackson must be in camp as soon as possible, its obvious that the rams are nothing without him.
Are there any news on possible backups or upgrades for the corner and safety spot?

thanks

Jim Thomas: Well, they are offering Jackson about $50 million. I would hardly call that insulting.
I'm expecting a new DB by this afternoon's practice. Look for an update on that from Bill Coats' Around the Horns blog later in the day.

Mike: Who's side are you on with the Steven Jackson holdout?

Jim Thomas: Nobody's. That's not my job.

Dennis: Hey Jim,
Hey hows it going. Just two quick questions. First how do you see Chris Long progressing as a rookie this year? Second, who do you think will be our 3rd string qb at the start of the regular season?

Thanks for your time,
Dennis

Jim Thomas: Long is struggling. He didn't look good at all in one-on-ones at practice this morning either. But he's too good a player not to snap out of it. He's doing a lot of thinking right now. He looks to me like he's pressing. He just needs to make a play _ any kind of a play _ and maybe he'll relax a bit and just let his talent come to the forefront.
As for No. 3 QB, it looks like Berlin took a decisive lead based on his play against Tennessee. Gradkowski needs to make something happen in the next couple of games.

Sirshankalot: Jim, has there ever been a more meaningful preseason game, in terms of maintaining or increasing fan interest, than this Saturday's game against SD? If they flounder here, this season could get off on the wrong foot before it ever started. Do you agree?

Jim Thomas: You know, as silly as it sounds, I have to agree with you. And I'm not talking about fan support. I mean for the psyche of this team and this coaching staff. They need to have a sense of urgency.