In what is usually a relatively slow time of the week over at Rams Park, a good deal of news has actually come out over the past 24 hours or so. First, let’s discuss the roster moves. Nothing hugely significant here, but the team signed LB Curtis Johnson off the practice squad, and they also signed DB Antoine Thompson to the PS. Johnson won’t do anything more than special teams if he is active, and although I like Thompson, I don’t see him making an impact on the defense any time soon.

In other news, Chris Long has been named NFC Defensive Player of the Week. I’m very pleased that his work is being recognized by the league, and hopefully this is a sign of things to come. I know plenty of people have labeled Long a bust after we drafted him second overall, but I saw the player he can be on Sunday.

On the injury front, Ron Bartell and Clifton Ryan both missed practice today. Bartell is dealing with a thigh injury, and Ryan’s headaches are back. Both players will be evaluated later in the week. Justin King is also out with a hamstring issue. Chris Chamberlain was on the field in a limited capacity, and he still hopes to be able to go this week. We should know more by Friday on him. Danario Alexander’s knee was still pretty sore, but he isn’t concerned about it and he says he will be fine for this week. Speaking of DX, don’t forget to cast your vote for NFL Rookie of the Week. If you need the link, check out yesterday’s post.

The roster is officially set for the upcoming 2010 season for the Rams, as the team made its final cuts yesterday. I must admit that a few of the moves surprised me, and I will go over them in a minute. For now, here is the list off all the players who were released by the team yesterday.

WR Danario Alexander, G Roger Allen III, LB Devin Bishop, LB Cardia Jackson, CB Marquis Johnson, T Ryan McKee, WR Brandon McRae, G Drew Miller, FB Dennis Morris, QB Keith Null, RB Chris Ogbonnaya, DT Ernest Reid, DB Antoine Thompson, DE Victor Adeyanju, CB Quincy Butler and LB Bobby Carpenter.  S Kevin Payne (knee) and T Eric Young (knee) were placed on the reserve/injured list.

The guys who really stand out in this group have to be Null, Ogbonnaya, Carpenter, Adeyanju, and Butler. I really thought Null had the edge to be the third quarterback, but the team decided to go with the upside of Thaddeus Lewis. I don’t mind that move so much, it was just a little surprising. Ogbonnaya really played himself out of a spot in the preseason, so you can’t fault the team there. Carpenter wasn’t very good in the preseason either, but after trading Alex Barron for him I thought he would get a chance. Adeyanju really surprises me, because he was versatile and could really play anywhere on the line. Butler is a good player, and I’m pretty sure he will get picked up by another team.

Danario Alexander, Marquis Johnson, Brandon McRae, Ryan McKee, and Drew Miller have all been placed on the practice squad, which I pretty much expected. I still really like Alexander, but he needs to get completely healthy and acclimated to the NFL before he will be ready to contribute.

The Rams have given vice president of player personnel Tony Softli permission to pursue other job opportunities. In other words, Softli has worn out his welcome with the Rams. He took over for Charley Armey in 2006, and he was the force (along with Scott Linehan) in the infamous 2007 draft of which only one player remains with the team. With Billy Devaney takng over pretty much  all of his duties, there is no reason for Softli to stay on board. This isn’t a big loss for the franchise, and it is just another example of the team moving forward.

The team has signed four tryout players from the rookie minicamp as well. Dominique Curry (California (Pa.)), defensive back Martin Harris (Fresno State), defensive tackle Ernest Reid (University of Mary), cornerback Antoine Thompson (Nevada-Reno) will all be back for camp this summer. All four players are still long-shots to make the 53-man roster, but their NFL dream is still alive for the time being. Obviously, they impressed enough to get a second look.

In more of an NFL story, it looks like former Rams interim head coach Joe Vitt is apparently the main figure in the Saints stolen pain-killers scandal. For those who haven’t heard, former director of security Geoffrey Santini resigned after being asked to cover up a scandal involving coaches taking Vicodin. A new report indicates that a video exists of Vitt receiving large quantities of Vicodin from the team’s drug locker. If this story is true, Vitt will be in very big trouble from the league and the team.

Finally, there is a nice article at STLToday.com about rookie running back Keith Toston fighting to be the team’s backup to Steven Jackson this season. In my opinion, Toston is the best option on the team right now, and if we don’t bring in a veteran back I think the job will be very available. I thought bringing in Toston was one of the best moves by the team over the draft weekend, and although his workout numbers didn’t jump off the page, he was very productive in college and he looks like a gamer. Keep an eye on him throughout the summer, as he could be one of the biggest surprises.