Dec 5 ,2010; Tampa, FL, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Ovie Mughelli (34) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Fernando Medina-US PRESSWIRE

The Rams are ready to get training camp up and going, and there will be a new face on the field when they do so. The team has reportedly signed fullback Ovie Mughelli to a one-year deal. Mughelli was a Pro Bowler in 2010 with the Atlanta Falcons, and he has been viewed as one of the elite blocking backs in the league.

I’m a big fan of this move. Upgrading at fullback might not have been at the top of the to-do list, but if he’s healthy Mughelli could be a perfect fit in what appears to be an offensive approach that will feature running the ball prominently.

It’s not a big secret that Steven Jackson loves having a big, bruising fullback leading the way in front of him, so I’m sure nobody likes this move more than him.

The Rams made a roster move today, as the team decided to release fullback Mike Karney from his contract. I thought Karney did a nice job for the Rams during his time here when he was healthy, but this was the right move for the organization and the player at this time. The Rams are obviously shifting their offensive philosophy from run-first to pass-first, so a fullback probably isn’t the biggest need for this offense. I have no doubt that Karney will catch on with some other team and be very successful, and I wish him nothing but good things as long as he isn’t lining up on the opposite sidelines.

Karney’s final season in St. Louis wasn’t exactly a banner year, as he finished with six carries for 12 yards and four DNP’s near the end of the season. He was kind of phased out as the season went on, and it really didn’t come as any surprise to me that he was let go. The organization was honest with him from the beginning, and they did a nice job of giving him an opportunity to find another home before it is too late. Karney was a guest on The Fast Lane on 101 ESPN in St. Louis earlier today, so here is link to that interview.

Fast Lane Inteview