December 2, 2012; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams tackle Rodger Saffold (76) talks with fans after defeating the San Francisco 49ers in overtime at the Edward Jones Dome. St. Louis defeated San Francisco 16-13 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

With the signing of all-pro left tackle Jake Long set to anchor the Rams offensive line for the next four years, it is a foregone conclusion that Roger Saffold will slide to the right side.

As we all know, Saffold’s agent said he would be unhappy with a switch to right tackle when St. Louis began to cater to the 4-time Pro-Bowler in the midst of free agency.

Saffold and his agent have not requested a trade, but the disgruntled tackle has made it very clear that he does not approve of the move by taking a vow of silence. Since the Rams have inked their prized free agent, officials from the Rams organization have been unable to contact the incumbent starter.

In an article by Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, here is a quote from Jeff Fisher:

“We’ve been trying to reach Rodger, and he’s not returning calls right now,” Fisher said. “But we’ll get things settled, and Rodger’s a big part of our future and a big part of our plans on offense.”

I understand why Saffold is upset. Left tackles are widely considered a premier position in the NFL. Entering the final year of his rookie contract, he could almost reach out and grab free agency. He wants the money that a top-end LT could earn, especially at the young age of 24. Saffold has proven he is more than capable of protecting Sam Bradford’s blind side when healthy.

Long went through a lengthy physical in St. Louis because of his recent run-ins with injuries, but like Long, Saffold too has experienced quite a few injuries.

During his three year tender in a Rams uniform, Saffold has only played one full season:

It would be easy to call Saffold selfish, not a team player and spoiled as he secludes himself on another planet. If Saffold does ask for a trade or release, it would equal more draft picks or grabbing a more talented player in a deep and versatile offensive tackle class.

Perhaps a mauler like Alabama RT D.J. Fluker. The Rams have already had pre-draft visits from guard/tackle Kyle Long (Oregon) and OT Terron Armstead (Arkansas-Pine Bluf

Hopefully, the sulky left tackle does return, if not, trust Jeff Fisher and Les Snead to make the right move.

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.

May 23, 2012; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams running back Daryl Richardson (26) catches the ball during an OTA at ContinuityX Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-US PRESSWIRE

Tuesday was another good day for the Rams at training camp, as they got some guys back from injuries and saw some impressive performances by others. Rookie RB Daryl Richardson was on the field, as was Rodger Saffold and Scott Wells, although Wells was limited. Also, Robert Quinn continued to impress everyone in attendance with his performance. Here is what coach Jeff Fisher had to say after practice.

“You know what? Practice was good. We got Daryl Richardson back, which is good. He had been working the last few days, we got him acclimated, and looks like that injury is behind him. Good to see him back in there doing some things, been clearly paying attention and really didn’t have any problems in there. Good to have him back. Got a lot done. They battled through the heat and just pushed right through it. We got better today. He has great speed vision, very explosive, he’s tough, he can run inside, he can run outside. He runs the entire offense. He gives us speed, he can get to the edge and set up the outside zone. He got good tracking ability on the inside zone, and good vision.”

On Quinn
“I am kind of just hoping that thing carries over in the games. It kind of reminds me of a little bit – even though you’re going to think I’m crazy about the comparison – but a little bit about (Titans running back) Chris Johnson’s rookie year in training camp when you said, ‘Gosh, if this was a game do you think he’d score?’ And I am thinking, ‘Well if this is a game, he should have a few sacks by the time the game is over’. He has really improved.”

On Saffold
“He’s good. He fought through a little minor pull, and he got back in there and is doing fine. Learning, playing physical, and he and (Robert) Quinn are working good together right now.”

(On having Saffold go up against a guy like Quinn)
“Well, it helps both of our tackles. Our offensive line is getting better because the talent level their lining up against and vice versa. Its good for Robert (Quinn) to work against Rodger (Saffold). They come in, they put in a days work and they learn, they help each other.”