Jim McParland: The Rams, at the moment, are looking OK injury wise. However, after last years injury problems I was wondering do you think that they should look at their conditioning program and possibly make some modifications to help prevent the injuries?

Jim Thomas: The Rams did make some changes to their conditioning program during this past offseason. They emphasized more core lifting (working on the torso from the waist up). The Rams have done more running and conditioning during camp and the preseason. They also installed a sand pit at Rams Park. (Players did drills in it during the offseason to strengthen the ankles.)
But there also is a train of thought by some at Rams Park _ coaches I'm speaking of _ that the turf at the Edward Jones Dome is causing some problems. It currently is replaced every year because the technology isn't there to remove Field Turf and store it after every season. Because of that the turf never really gets broken in before it's replaced. (There simply aren't that many football games played in the dome over a year's time.) And becuase of that extra friction because the turf isn't broken in, it could lead to more turf injuries. I believe the vast majority of ankle, foot, and leg injuries to the Rams occurred at the dome last year, not on the road.

ctramsfan: Jim I was happy that the Rams signed Ricky Manning Jr. and Brannon Condren. Manning Jr. is a reliable corner who adds depth to a thin position and has big play capability as we saw in the 2004 playoffs and condren is a good special teams player who adds depth to the secondary. Now that those two positions have been addressed, do you see the Rams addressing the linebacker and offensive tackle positions. I would like to see them sign someone at both of those spots who would be a quality backup and add depth to the position. At linebacker two interesting guys are Victor Hobson and Dontarrius Thomas, have you heard anything about those two players or anyone else for that matter? For the tackle position the two players that interest me are Willie Anderson and Fred Miller. Have you heard anything about those two, or anyone else? I would like the Rams to add some more depth and talent to those positions.

Thanks for your time Jim

Jim Thomas: The Rams have added a linebacker in Gary Stills. Although he's mainly a special teamer, and still a very good one, he also has some value as a pass rusher. Tim McGarigle, by the way, was released Tuesday to make room for Stills on the 53-man roster. The Rams are looking into Willie Anderson; they've discussed Miller and are aware of Todd Wade, too. Although I'm not sure if it will lead anywhere.

Jeff D.: Any news on LeCharles Bentley being a post week 1 signing? And where do you see Ricky Manning Jr. fitting in with our team? Thanks.
-Jeff from Toronto

Jim Thomas: Manning is a nice pickup. Let's put it this way: If you include his postseason interceptions, he has more interceptions over his career than any DB on the Rams roster _ and that includes veterans Chavous and Brown. He has excelled in the nickel in the past, but can also play outside at corner. Right now, he's the fourth corner. But that could change with injury, or if Fakhir Brown is unable to go Sunday because of his shoulder problems.
As for Bentley, the latest I'm told is that the Rams have some concerns about Bentley's knee.

dtravis64: Hey Jim:
I see the Rams cut tackle Mark LeVoir and he is immediately picked up by the New England Patriots. I never even heard of the guy. Do the Patriots know something that the Rams missed?

Also, do you think Lance Ball will come back to haunt us? He looked like a player to me.

Jim Thomas: When the Patriots pick up a guy, you always have to take notice, simply because of their track record. But they also picked up a Rams reject earlier in camp, OT Stephen Sene, only to release him. LeVoir did OK in the preseason games, but didn't show much on the practice field.
Lance Ball is on the Rams' practice squad, so he's still drawing a paycheck from 1 Rams Way.

Jim: Jim

Is there any word on Avery’s injury? Is he injury prone or just two freak things? Who should start (in your opinion) opposite of Holt on opening day?

Thanks for your very informative chats
Jim

Jim Thomas: Avery was the only player on the 53-man roster who didn't dress for Monday's practice. He did somme running on the side. So unless he makes a miraculous recovery between now (no practice today, players are off) and Tuesday, I'd say he doesn't play in Philly. Like it or not, Bennett starts opposite Holt, at least at the start of the season. But Bennett got only limited work in team periods Monday with his groin injury. Burton is behind Bennett on the depth chart, but he got sick Monday and missed part of practice (I don't know if it was heat or stomach flu). I'm not sure if Burton is ready to start anyway. So Looker could have a larger role in Week 1.