dominic: Hey Jim:
1)My observation from fridays game is that we need backup safety help,pass rushing defensive end and a speed back. Your thoughts?
2)And can we trade Adam Carriker for Glenn Dorsey? They both are playing out of positions and would make sense for both teams.Yes?No?

Jim Thomas: Hello everybody. The practice schedule has changed from earlier in camp. The Rams are starting practice here in about half an hour. So I'll answer a few questions now, take a break to watch practice and be back at about 3 p.m. or so to answer some more. Sorry for the inconvenience.

1.) The backup safety play was rough. But keep in mind, David Roach _ who missed those two tackles _ probably doesn't make the final 53. The fourth safety spot probably will go to Craig Dahl, the ex-NY Giant who's back on the practice field after missing about a week (and the first preseason game) with a hamstring injury.,

2.) As disappointing as his start may be in the NFL, it's too early to give up on Carriker.

4thandJuan: Jim,
When Jacob Bell went out of the game last Friday, I was surprised to see Roy Schuening step in. This guy hadn't made much noise, and I thought Greco was the top reserve at G. Has Schuening made much of a move in camp?

Jim Thomas: Schuening simply has been the guy working with the second unit all spring at LG. Greco has been working at RG. But Schuening didn't play all that well against the Jets. This week, with Bell out with a mild concussion, Mark Setterstrom and Greco have been sharing reps at LG with the starting offense. Schuening has been moved to the second unit at RG.

Joe Stafford: Jim, will Jason Smith get more playing time this week or is Goldbergh looking to be the starter week 1?

Jim Thomas: With Barron's swollen knee today, Goldberg was with the starting unti at left tackle; Smith was with the starters at right tackle. After a rough stretch around the time of the Lindenwood scrimmage, Smith seems to be coming around some. But right now _ and there are still 3 preseason games _ I'd still say Goldberg probably is the Week 1 starter.

Aaron in San Antonio: Jim,
Look forward to this read each week..thank you.

James Butler's name hasn't been mentioned hardly at all it seems during traning camp/Jets game. I knew this was a lock move for the Rams in the offseason because it just made too much sense, but he's been fairly quiet. Please confirm this is a huge upgrade in talent over Chavous and at least a 'push' in regards to leadership/field general.

Jim Thomas: I'll use the word "noticeable" instead of "huge" on the upgrade. The main problem with Chavous was that he just couldn't run anymore. He was a smart player, a tough player. But he just couldn't cover. Butler is smart and tough, and although not a burner _ he appears to have decent range.

Jake de snake: Thanks again Jim for giving up some time to answer our questions.

Who do you think is gonna be the bright spot on the team this season? and why?

With Avery down do you see Robinson pulling through and taking over the #2 spot on the roster?

And how is Null looking in practice? He looked pretty good agains the jets granted it was the 2nd and 3rd D out there.

Thanks!

Jim Thomas: J.D. Snake. . .So hard to pick out anybody. But I've got to say, I've liked what I've seen from WR Laurent Robinson, not just in the Jets game, but on the practice field and in the scrimmage. He does have some deep speed.