hEllard27: We hear that Torry Holt's knee is about 70%, and that it's been swelling up. Is there a question of him starting this Sunday against Carolina? Maybe this is wishful thinking, but I Believe this might be somewhat of a smokescreen. From the limited action I've seen of Holt this preseason, he looked a lot closer to classic "Big-Game" than he was toward the end of last year. Have you heard any updates about this recently?

Jim Thomas: As I mentioned in a previous post, Holt looks just OK to me. I don't think it's a smokescreen. During practice Tuesday, he did a lot of work, but sat out some reps as well.

flaram: How are we going to get Pittma up to speed. Is he really an upgrade from Alexis?

Shane

Jim Thomas: Pittman is a big upgrade over Alexis. In terms of basic run plays, it won't take long to get him up to speed. It's the pass protections and blitz pickup that will take a while. It won't happen overnight. I'm sure he'll work extra with the coaches, both on the practice field and in the meeting room.

RamsLife: Hey Jim, how is it going? So far everything looks Good on our Roster in terms of Depth Wise. But one thing Concerns me. And that is our Backup OT Situation. Now that Stussuie is out for the Year and Possibly will Retire, who do you think we should get as a #3 Bakcup OT? Adam Goldberg and Milford Brown just don't cut it for me. ( They are Solid @ the Backup Guard Postion.) So far off the Cuts I would either Take Ryan Tucker. ( Suspended for 4 Games but will be back Week 5.) And or Cory Lekkerkerker who is Young and has some Experince as a Starter and Backup OT. Do you think we will get one before the Opener on the 9th and who do You think it will be? Thanks so much. Go St.Louis Rams!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jim Thomas: I think the Rams will stand pat for the opener at tackle. (Of course, I've been wrong before.)

lester. hx: Shouldn't the Rams got more for Fitzgerald

Jim Thomas: I thought Fitzpatrick would fetch a sixth-rounder. He has after all started three games, and Cincy was desperate.

ron from california: In a league with a constant shortage of competent quarterbacks, didn't the Rams just give away a possible future star for virtually nothing?

Jim Thomas: I thought the Rams should have gotten more for Fitz. But I don't think he's a future star. He hadn't played well in the preseason until the KC game. He's scheduled to be a restricted free agent after this season, which means the Rams would have been on the hook for about $900K if they tendered him at the minimum level. That's a lot of money for a No. 3. Frerotte had a great preseason and remember he's under contract through '08.