Johd D.: Hi Jim
What happened to Jon Alston? Why he cut?

Jim Thomas: From everything I've been able to gather, too many mistakes. Plus McGarigle probably played himself on the roster with a very good showing against Kansas City.

Buzz: Jim,
I was a little shocked that the Rams gave up on LB Jon Alston so soon. Did he make too many mistakes, or was he another Combine Wonder who just can't play football, or both? Thanks.

Jim Thomas: Hey, I was surprised too. Every year I have one or two "safe and sounds" in my countdown to cutdown series that don't make the team, and this year it was Alston. Although I remember, the day I wrote the "countdown" story on Alston I asked LB coach Rick Venturi about him and Venturi was very positive. This was before the KC game was played, however. As fast as he is, and as hard a hitter as he seemed to be, I would have kept him. I think the Rams could've gotten Culberson on the practice squad.

Joe Cacciatore: I've read that Tory is 70-80% and that his knee may not be 100% this year. What is the latest on how he is doing.

Jim Thomas: This one concerns me. Torry got a fair amount of work in practice Tuesday, but didn't do everything. It's obvious he won't be 100 percent for Carolina. He looks OK, I guess, is the best I can say.

Scott from So. Cal: Good am Jim -

Any news on Rice ?

Looks like he is probably heading to Denver.

Jim Thomas: Obviously, you saw what happened there.

Tom Liberto: Who will replace Todd Steussie now that he is injured for 8-10 weeks?

Jim Thomas: Adam Goldberg is the backup LT, and Milford Brown is the backup RT. Goldberg has some experience at tackle, Brown has very little. He told us today in the locker room that other than a few reps in camp, and part of one game a couple years ago with the Houston Texans, he hasn't played tackle since his high school days.