Rams open camp, Todd Gurley and other updates

Last week multiple outlets reported that the St. Louis Rams had deemed their new star running back Todd Gurley is healthy enough to begin training camp on the active roster, but in a limited role. He did that yesterday when the Rams opened camp in Earth City, Mo.

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When asked about being able to spend some time on the field with his teammates, Gurley talked about his emotions toward getting on the field.

"“It is [exciting],instead of just being over there with the trainers, just being with the guys and getting those 15 minutes in [is great].” (Nick Wagoner, ESPN.com)"

Friday’s activities are the first that Gurley has been able to participate in since injuring his knee nine months ago during his time with Georgia. Gurley had just returned from a short suspension handed down by the NCAA for selling autographed merchandise when the last play of a blowout victory against Auburn turned out to be the last play of his college career. Gurley would tear his ACL in the fourth quarter.

It will certainly take some time before Gurley is 100 percent, but it’s a very good sign to see him begin camp on time, even if it’s on a limited basis. Head coach Jeff Fisher spoke about his progress made thus far, per ESPN.

"“Todd did a great job on the conditioning test,” Fisher said. “He’s not 100 percent. He’s not ready to play in a game right now but our feeling was and the decision was based on the importance for him to be able to participate not only in the walk-throughs but also in the individual stuff."

Gurley was not the only one at Rams camp who was limited in their participation. Rookie guard Cody Wichmann has begun camp on the PUP list with a calf injury. Chris Long and Mark Barron did not participate on Friday either. Fisher estimated both could return in a few days. Long is suffering from some back soreness and Barron is fighting a knee injury. The entire Rams roster passed their respective condition tests.

Dec 11, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams defensive end Chris Long (91) during warmups before the game between the St. Louis Rams and the Arizona Cardinals at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Fisher said he thought he prepared his team well for the time off between OTAs and the start of camp. He said he was pleased with the shape of his team as they prepared for the season. He offered up quite the line when asked about the time off.

"“I failed them from the standpoint of I talked to them about wave runners and four-wheelers and jet skis and driving fast and all those things and I forgot to talk to them about fireworks. Fortunately we dodged that bullet.”"

Quarterback Nick Foles had a nice day, considering it was his first with the organization. He hooked up with wide receiver Tavon Austin a few quick throws. Inevitably, Foles was asked about his contract situation and responded by saying he is only concentrating on what’s happening on the field and his agent would take care of the rest.

Bud Sasser joined the team on Friday, and will be a guest at camp all weekend long. Sasser was a sixth-round selection for St. Louis in this years draft. He was released by the team after a physical discovered a heart condition. The Rams made it clear however, that there was a home for him in St. Louis when they offered him the opportunity to stay with the team in another capacity. Sasser will be spending some time this weekend exploring those options with the team.