Ramblin' Fan » Fred Robbins

Bartell, Robbins on Rams cut list

Justin Stine — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 10:51:55 +0000

Dec 21, 2008; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams defensive back Ron Bartell (24) is tackled by San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Bryant Johnson (82) after intercepting a pass during the second half at the Edward Jones Dome. The 49ers defeated the Rams 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Scott Rovak-US PRESSWIRE

With free agency opening Tuesday, the Rams have already begun making roster cuts to clear cap space. Cornerback Ron Bartell was cut, as were defensive tackles Fred Robbins and Justin Bannan, center Jason Brown and defensive end James Hall. With the moves, the team freed up almost $19 million in cap space, which is a pretty nice number.

As far as the players go, I don’t think anyone is surprised by Brown or Bannan being gone. Brown was benched last season, and although Bannan wasn’t terrible, last year was his first with the team and he didn’t blow anyone away.

Hall has been playing good ball since he came to St. Louis, but he is 35 years old. He would have counted $3 million against the cap, so I guess it’s not a huge surprise. Word of Bartell’s possible release hit a few weeks ago after he missed the season with a neck fracture. Bartell has been cleared medically, so it will be interesting to see what happens with him. I really like Bartell, and I hope he can continue to play at a high level when he returns.

King Headed For Surgery

Justin Stine — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 09:21:42 +0000

It wouldn’t be the final week of the season without another Rams player needing surgery, so this week’s member of the club is CB Justin King. King will miss the final week of the season and will undergo surgery on his shoulder. King injured the shoulder a few weeks ago, and the team decided this week that he will go under the knife.

Not that it really matters at this point, but it’s still unfortunate that another corner will be having surgery. The Rams are facing a tall order this week when they take on San Francisco, but I doubt King would have made a difference in the outcome. I know this sounds terrible, but I’m just ready for the season to be over. Let’s just get this thing over with so we can look forward to the offseason and the draft.

The other injury news is actually pretty good. Sam Bradford and AJ Feeley are both still day-to-day, but neither has suffered a setback. Josh Gordy is still banged up but isn’t any worse, and Chris Long is the same. The only surprise inactive was Fred Robbins, who was out due to illness. He is expected to be fine this week.

Bradford Still In Boot

Justin Stine — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 11:13:30 +0000

If there’s anybody out there who has been waiting to see Kellen Clemens under center for the Rams, you are probably going to get your wish on Sunday. Starting quarterback Sam Bradford was still in a walking boot on Friday, and it seems highly probable that he will be inactive on Sunday when the Bengals come to town. Bradford hasn’t been ruled out yet, but all indications are that Clemens will be getting the start. I said this earlier in the week, but I’m fine with Sam getting healthy over these last few weeks. I certainly think he should play if he’s healthy, but it’s not worth it to run him out there at this point. If there are any other Oregon Ducks fans besides me in the St. Louis area, you will enjoy seeing Clemens this weekend.

It looks like Mark LeVoir will be out Sunday as well, as he did not practice Friday and is listed as doubtful. James Hall and Justin King also didn’t practice, but they are listed as questionable. It looks like everyone else on the injury list from this week should be ready to play, although Chris Long, Quinn Porter and Fred Robbins are also questionable. I think those three will play, but they certainly aren’t sure things.