May 23, 2012; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams tackle Rodger Saffold (76) walks off the field during an OTA at ContinuityX Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-US PRESSWIRE

The offensive line here in St. Louis has been a major concern for what seems like forever, and there is some concern after the last few days of practice that it might not be on the fast track to improving. Barry Richardson has replaced Jason Smith at right tackle for the last two sessions, and Quinn Ojinnaka played left tackle on Thursday with Rodger Saffold missing more time with soreness in his legs.

There’s reason to be concerned with both of these situations, but for very different reasons. As far as Richardson/Smith goes, it looks like Smith has been relegated to the second-team unit since Richardson has lined up with the first team for two consecutive days. Sometimes early in the preseason the coach can just want to get a look at guys in certain spots, but with Smith’s struggles in the past I think this development is certainly one to watch over the next few weeks.

Saffold is going to be the starting LT if he’s healthy, but I think that’s a pretty big IF at this point. Thursday’s “leg soreness” probably isn’t a huge deal, but it seems like every time we look up he is on the sideline for something. I’m not ready to say we should be concerned, but let’s hope Saffold keeps himself healthy over the next few weeks so he’s ready to go for Week 1.

There was a pretty good-sized list of guys who sat out practice on Thursday, as WR Brandon Gibson, S Darian Stewart, CB Bradley Fletcher, WR Danario Alexander and DE Eugene Sims were all held out.

Aug 26, 2011; Kansas City, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams offensive tackle Quinn Ojinnaka (69) leaves the field after the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. The Rams won 14-10. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-US PRESSWIRE

The news of the week was obviously the Gregg Williams suspension, but that doesn’t mean the team has stopped operating as usual when it comes to free agency. There are plenty of holes to fill, and the Rams haven’t stopped looking a guys who could potentially plug those holes. The team signed offensive lineman Quinn Ojinnaka to a deal Thursday to add to the depth on the line, and he will probably serve as a backup in the coming season regarding injuries. If the name sounds familiar, it’s because Ojinnaka was in camp with the Rams last year before getting cut and joining up with the Colts, where he played in nine games and started three.

In addition to Ojinnaka, the team has Jo-Lonn Dunbar, Chilo Rachal, Barry Richardson and Robert Turner in town for visits. Dunbar is an interesting candidate at outside linebacker, and he would almost certainy be an upgrade over what the Rams had last season. Richardson would be another great fit for this team at tackle since he has plenty of experience, and Rachal is a guard from San Francisco that I like. Turner is a bit more of a question mark at guard because of his injury history, so given the choice I think Rachal would be the guy.

These might not be the biggest names in the world, but there are guys on this list who could certainly help out. Stay tuned to see if any of these players sign a deal in the next few days, because it could very well happen.