The St. Louis Rams players might have had the day off on Tuesday, but there was certainly plenty of action at the team’s facility anyway. First, the team announced that wide receiver Keenan Burton has been released as the corresponding move with the Mark Clayton deal. I can’t say I’m completely astounded by this move, but I did think Burton had a chance to stay on this team even after the Clayton move. I thought the team might release Dominique Curry and try to get him on the practice squad instead, but I guess the team didn’t think Curry would pass through waivers. I always kind of liked Burton, but injuries really didn’t give him a chance to show what he has.

After the release of Burton, the team brought in five free agent players for a workout. This is pretty common practice in the NFL, but it is interesting to note some of the names that were in town today. WR’s Demetrius Williams (who we talked about yesterday), Derek Hagan (former Giant), Jason Hill (former Niner), and Paul Williams (former Titan). The team also worked out former Bears’ safety Al Afalava. I wouldn’t expect any of these players to join the Rams any time soon unless someone really blew the coaches away, as the team has said that this workout was just for future considerations.

The team also signed a running back today, as former Oklahoma back Allen Patrick was inked to the practice squad. Does anyone else find it interesting that the last two players to join this Rams’ squad are both from the same college as our rookie quarterback? I’m just sayin…

We also found out what exactly the Rams had to give up for Clayton. As it turns out, the team traded a sixth-round pick in 2011 for Clayton and a seventh that same year. That’s pretty much getting a guy for nothing.

As I said yesterday, the Rams made a minor move in trading Hall Davis (who was cut today by the Redskins, by the way) in exchange for Dennis Morris. Now, the opportunity has risen for the front office to step up and make a move that will actually help this team. Running back Derrick Ward was released by the Tampa Bay Bucs today, and there is no reason he should not be a member of the Rams this season. I’m not going to sit here and tell you that Ward is a phenomenal running back or anything, but he is far and away better than anyone we have on this roster to back up Steven Jackson. I have been saying it for months, but we desperately need a backup at the position, and I think Ward is a perfect fit. He has been productive as a backup in his career, and he played with Coach Spags with the Giants a few years ago ( we know how Spags loves “his guys”).

There have already been rumors that the Rams are interested, and we are to a point right now where I will be disappointed if they don’t seal the deal. I can’t imagine the team will go into the regular season without making an addition at the position, and I don’t see any reason to wait and take a chance that a better player gets cut. Ward is the fit, so let’s all hold our collective breaths.

Final Preseason Game Preview

Normally I would make this a separate post, but the final preseason game doesn’t tell us much except who will occupy the final spots on the roster. Here are some battles to watch tonight.

1. Third Quarterback- This thing has really developed into one of the best battles in camp, which is funny because it’s for a position that essentially means nothing to the success of the team. Keith Null and Thaddeus Lewis have both been impressive in the preseason, and tonight’s game could very well determine which players stays and which goes.

2. Wide Receiver- This battle became a little less interesting after the injury to Donnie Avery, but it’s still worth watching. It’s safe to say that Laurent Robinson, Mardy Gilyard, and Danny Amendola are in, and I’d say Brandon Gibson and Keenan Burton have a good chance to be in as well. As far as Danario Alexander goes, I would expect him to be a practice squad guy for at least the start of the season.

3. Defensive End- George Selvie and Eugene Sims are both back as far as I know, and I would expect to see plenty of both players tonight. It remains to be seen how much their respective injuries hurt them, but strong performances tonight would go a long way in securing spots.

The Rams held their first scrimmage of the season on Saturday, and although it was just a scrimmage, a few players had very nice showings. Let’s start with the big name, Sam Bradford. Our rookie quarterback was very impressive in his work, as he finished 8-for-10 passing for 96 yards and a touchdown. His most impressive pass of the day was probably his 53-yard deep ball to Danny Amendola that set up a field goal in two minute drills. I know there’s really no use in getting excited about a scrimmage, but by all accounts Bradford impressed everyone.

Another impressive player was rookie DE George Selvie, who broke through for what would have been two sacks, one of which was a safety. I am high on Selvie, and I stand by my statement after the draft the he could be the steal of this class. I don’t think he has been overly impressive in camp thus far, but don’t be shocked if he makes an impact on the defense this season.

As far as the receivers go, Amendola showed big play ability with a couple of nice catches, and Keenan Burton and Laurent Robinson both made some nice plays. Brandon McRae caught a 60-yard TD pass from Keith Null, but he didn’t stand out other than that.

Injury-wise, we got some good news, as Jason Smith suited up and played. We were told by Coach Spags that he wouldn’t go, so that was a bit of a surprise. RB Steven Jackson, RB Keith Toston, G Jacob Bell, WR Brandon Gibson, DE C.J. Ah You, CB Bradley Fletcher, S James Butler, CB Marquis Johnson, G John Greco, CB Ron Bartell, DE James Hall and CB Justin King were all inactive due to injury or precaution.