Jeff Fisher Announces Jake Long Will Not Play Versus New Orleans Saints

December 1, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; St. Louis Rams tackle Jake Long (77) blocks San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aldon Smith (99) during the third quarter at Candlestick Park. The 49ers defeated the Rams 23-13. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

If you’ve been paying attention to the news coming out of St. Louis Rams training camp, you are likely well aware of the numerous storylines that have sprouted up at Rams Park. If you haven’t been able to soak in all the information, here is a quick breakdown: Kenny Britt appears to be the real deal. Aaron Donald looks like the leading candidate for Defensive Rookie of the Year. Sam Bradford looks great. About seven “starters” have been sidelined over the last couple of days.

While it may be a tad disheartening to skim over the laundry list of daily “hold outs” due to injury, you might be surprised to find that Jake Long, who tore his ACL back in December, is not present. In fact, Long has been a regular in practice, participating in 7-on-7s, 11-on-11s, and individuals drills without much restriction.

So, what does that mean for the St. Louis Rams preseason opener against the New Orleans Saints?

As many projected, Jeff Fisher is going to be overly cautious when transitioning some of his key players back into the lineup. This approach is partially the reason that players like Janoris Jenkins, Rodger Saffold, and Michael Brockers are continuing to get extra rest, despite suffering “minor” injuries, by most reputable reports.

With question marks looming over Saffold’s availability, the next question is: Who will play left tackle against the Saints?

Greg Robinson, who most see as the understudy and eventual placement on the blindside, could certainly see a handful of series on the left side. Sean Hooey, Mike Person,  and Mitchell Van Dyk, another 2014 draftee, should also see some extended time on the outside.

While we all might be itching to see the St. Louis Rams offensive line at “full strength,” particularly Jake Long and Greg Robinson on the left side, it appears as though we will have to wait a little bit longer.