Ramblin’ Fan’s “Humpday” Morning Links: The Titus Young Saga, Power Rankings Drop, And Grading Tavon Austin

It seem like just yesterday that we were all begging for some football, and now here we are, a couple days away from the midpoint of the preseason. While the excitement of training camp is beginning to take a backseat to the extreme desire to see the teams face off on the actual field, there is still plenty of news of cover. Here is the best stuff from the week so far…

Rams’ Kendricks, Cudjo back from PUP list

With the constant stream of adoration being pouring on Jared Cook, and deservedly so, some in Rams Nation may have forgotten about our other tight end, Lance Kendricks. Due to some “minor” knee work this offseason, the Rams’ incumbent tight end has been on the PUP list since the start of camp. However, with Fisher moving him off that list, the young stud can now begin doing some individual workouts to get back in the swing of football. If all goes according to plan, St. Louis will have their two-headed, tight end monster ready by Week 1 against Arizona.

Where is Titus Young? 

The St. Louis Rams flirted with this oft-troubled receiver this offseason… at least for a couple of days before sending him packing. This disheartening piece by Robert Klemko paints a significantly more serious story-line than what the “arrested again” headlines seem to have portrayed. Just read it…

Power Rankings: 49ers on top after spate of injuries across NFL

It is criminal that analysts are allowed to post “Power Rankings” on a weekly basis during the preseason; or in the regular season, for that matter. However, practicality has never stopped major NFL websites before, and it certainly will not stop them now! Despite the starting offense playing a mere 14 offensive snaps (and the defense even fewer), the St. Louis Rams dropped in the NFL.com rankings, after not have the “smoothest of starts in Cleveland.”  *sigh*

Breaking Down 5 of the NFL’s Most Likely Day 1 Rookie Starters

If you hadn’t already heard and seen of Alec Ogletree’s struggles in the preseason opener, Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller breaks down one specific play in this article. Not sure exactly what this article is supposed the “be about,” but if you want to see someone analyze a player’s apparent weaknesses based off a single play, this article is definitely for you. If not, go ahead and take a PASS on this piece.

NFL Preseason 2013: Report Card Grades for All 1st-Round Rookies After Week 1

If you are interested in more arbitrary ratings on rookies based on their Week 1 performances, look no further! Despite playing only 12 offense snaps in his rookie debut, and seeing only one target in the passing game, Tavon Austin comes out smelling like a rose in these “grades.” However, the suggestion that “it’s time to see some of that in a game” might be falling on deaf ears, as Jeff Fisher has been consistent in his assertion that very little cards will be shown this preseason. Ogletree, on the other hand, barely passed the course on Bleacher Report’s grading scale. Let’s hope he can improve, or else the Rams might as well just cut him now *sarcasm*