Nov 5, 2011; Fayetteville, AR, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks offensive tackle Rokevious Watkins (73) during the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Arkansas defeated South Carolina 44-28. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-US PRESSWIRE

Now that the rookie training camp is officially under way and open to the media, we can get a better idea of what’s going on at Rams Park with the new guys. The news is not all good, unfortunately. Newly signed CB Trumaine Johnson made his Rams debut after missing Wednesday’s workout after sleeping through his alarm and missing his flight on Wednesday, while G Rokevious Watkins has been limited to pre-practice and post-practice stretching and conditioning drills after showing up to camp out out of shape.

Both of these issues are not what you want to see from rookies, but in the big scope of things I don’t think either will be that big of a deal. I feel for Johnson, because I too have been known to sleep through my alarm. It sucks, and I’m sure he feels terrible about it, but it happens. I’m told head coach Jeff Fisher wasn’t happy about it, but it happened so let’s move on.

As far as Roke goes, I really believe he has the ability to start at LG from Day 1 on this team, so coming in not in shape and missing precious workout time is disappointing. I wouldn’t be so quick to jump on his case, though. He is a huge man who has struggled with his weight in the past, and sometimes it can be tougher for those guys to head into camp ready to go. I’m not giving him a free pass, but I think as long as he works hard to drop some weight and get in shape it won’t hurt his chances to earn a spot.

One other interesting note from Thursday was that TE Michael Hoomanawanui was one of the only veterans in attendance working out with the rookies. Illini Mike is coming back from knee surgery, so he wanted to get a little time on the field before full camp starts this weekend. He reportedly looked slim and moved around pretty well.

On the good news front, Rodger Saffold was cleared for contact and he is expected to start Sunday against Seattle. He will need to make it to the game without suffering a setback, but it looks like all things will be a go. Lance Kendricks is also recovering nicely and he could be available Sunday as well. After the loss of Illini Mike, it would be huge if Kendricks would be able to go. Jerious Norwood practiced Thursday as well, and it looks like he will be available on Sunday to back up SJ39.

The news isn’t so good on Danario Alexander, who isn’t progressing from his hamstring injury. He had a bad day on Thursday according to Spags, and it doesn’t look like he’s going to be ready. Cadillac Williams is also expected to be out Sunday.

Leading off the rest of the injury list is Brandon Gibson, who is dealing with some soreness in his groin. Jason Smith doesn’t sound like he’s much improved, and he’s not expected to be available this week. Cadillac Williams has a calf strain, and he will be evaluated again later in the week. Danario Alexander’s hamstring is improving, and he’s hoping to be available this week. Rodger Saffold and Justin King both had head injuries, but they are both feeling better and are symptom free. Finally, Darian Stewart suffered a neck injury but is also feeling better. He’s being called limited for Wednesday’s practice, but the team is hopeful he will be available by the weekend. More on next page…