Training Camp: Midweek Review

The Rams are only a mere three days away from playing their second preseason game on Saturday against the Green Bay Packers. The Rams still have a lot of work to do in preparation for the game. Here is an update of what’s been going on at Rams Park.

On Monday Governor Jay Nixon decided to stop by and see what was going on at Rams Park. Fisher said he might even let the governor call a few plays during a game…preseason game. The Rams had to fight through a little rain, but they fought through it and had an overall good day of practice. Stealing the show was a certain rookie from West Virginia. No, not that one. Stedman Bailey, the forgotten man stole the show, affirming his ability to be reliable and have good hands. Bailey ended up with three touchdown receptions on the day. Bailey might not be a starter in 2013, but that doesnt mean he wont get his fair share of playing time, because he has certainly deserved it.

On Tuesday it was owner Stan Kroenke who stopped by and paid a visit, and it was the popular West Virginia rookie making plays as he showed the owner of the Rams that trading up to get him was a good ideas. Austin also showed that not only can he make an impact in the short and intermediate game, but watch out when he goes deep. Austin beat Finnegan on a deep ball on the sideline and then caught a deep crossing route from Bradford as well. Brian Quick also made a catch on a deep ball.

In the running back competition, Terrance Ganaway may be lucky to get a spot on this year’s roster. He has finally returned to practice, but after Cunningham’s solid performance against the Cleveland Browns and then showing in practice on tuesday that he can be a short yardage guy by muscling through multiple tacklers on his way to scoring a touchdown Ganaway could be the odd man out. Cunningham then showed his catching abilities catching a deep ball. Are you getting the feeling the Rams might be throwing a lot of deep balls in 2013? In Zac Stacy’s return to the practice field he also made a nice catch. Richardson also continues to be the leader as he came up with some nice runs in practice.

The Rams are already short at the tackle position after Saffold’s injury. Sean Hooey and Ty Nsekhe are also shaken up. Brandon Washington who has gotten most of his reps at guard could make the move to tackle. However, it will be Barksdale who has been getting tips from legend Jackie Slater who will get the nod while Saffold is out.

On Defense Darian Stewart finally decided to show up to camp as he had an interception. Trumaine Johnson and Rodney McLeod also pulled in interceptions of their own. Matt Daniels wasted no time making an impression in camp after his return as he laid out running back Chase Daniels. The Rams defensive front also did a good job of plugging up any running lanes that might have been available which is always good to see, especially when the Rams have struggled stopping the run in recent years.

On the injury front, both Kendricks and Cudjo both got taken off the PUP list. They have not returned to practice, but being taken off the PUP list is a positive sign to a return soon. It is possible that they see action in one or maybe two preseason games. Like I mentioned earlier both Zac Stacy and Terrance Ganaway returned to practice. Sean Hooey is still out with an ankle and Ty Nsekhe got shaken up as mentioned before as well. Jabara William, Matt Giordano, and Sammy Brown were all held out of practice also.

That will do it for this edition of training camp: midweek review. There is a lot going on at Rams Park and hopefully the Rams will be all ready to go Saturday against the Packers. Until next time and as always, Go Rams!