SB Nation - Laurent Robinson

Rams vs Titans: Compare and Contrast

VanRam — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 18:18:17 -0000

More photos » by John Russell - AP

Offensive foundation, Chris Johnson

It doesn't seem like it was all that long ago, when you looked at week 14 on the St. Louis Rams schedule and thought they could very well get a win against an equally hard-luck Titans team. Not anymore. The Rams are now 13-point underdogs for their trip to Music City.

The Titans are now playing for a trip to the playoffs, after starting out 0-6. That sixth week of the season featured the Rams overtime loss to the Jaguars and the Titans getting shut out by the Patriots who scored 59 points (running up the score? stay classy Bill). My how things have changed. There are some parallels in the stories of the Rams and Titans this season, maybe a lesson or two even.

The Centerpiece

Like the Rams, Tennessee has a running back at the center of their offense. Chris Johnson has been collecting ridiculous amounts of yardage. The last time he had fewer than 100 yards on the ground was week five against the Colts, when he had just 34 yards on 9 carries. Steven Jackson, the centerpiece of the Rams offense, has been trying his best to carry the team, but has only been able to do so much for a team unable to make much else happen around him.

Quarterback

The Titans started the season with Kerry Collins at QB. Collins, after all, was at the helm last season when the Titans had a 13-3 season. One more season was more than the 36-year old Collins had left. Through six games he completed just 54.8 percent of his passes and a 5/8 TD to INT ratio. A 2-for-12 performance against the Patriots sealed his fate, and Vince Young replaced him on the last three drives of that game. The Rams started the season with an older QB carrying the signs of abuse much more prominently than many of us had expected. Eventually, a younger backup QB took over, but the similarities end there.

Going Young

The Rams had Kyle Boller, the Titans had Vince Young ready to take over QB duties. Boller has entered the backup QB stage of his career and has quickly reminded everyone why after a few games. Young still had some potential after struggling in his first two seasons and holding the clipboard for Collins last year. One thing the Titans have done to help Young, besides feed Chris Johnson the ball, has been their re-writing of the offensive script.

The Playbook

Rams fans are continually frsutrated by the logic-defying playcalling coming from the sidelines. It's not the Rams offense has been pass averse, rather the offense has done little more than dink and dump passes that ultimately go nowhere and make things easier for opposing defenses. Just a few more play actions, is that too much to ask? In Tennessee things have been different. The coaching staff there has smartly written a game plan around Chris Johnson and taking advantage of Young's strengths as a QB making lots of option calls and keeping defenses confused. The Rams have done nothing similar to take advantage of Steven Jackson's considerable gifts and their quarterback's lack fo gifts. Of course part of the problem has to do with the receiving options on each team.

Talent

Kenny Britt, the Titans first round pick out of Rutgers, has proven to be good get for the Titans. He runs routes well and overcame the pre-draft questions about his concentration, etc and works the middle. Behind him they have Nate Washington, who's been servicable as a role player. They've also used TEs Bo Scaife and Alge Crumpler with some effectiveness. The Rams just don't have much going for them at WR. Laurent Robinson was establishing himself as a solid possession guy before he got hurt. Keenan Burton was improving in a similar role when he got hurt. Brandon Gibson looked like he might be that guy, but he's fallen off considerably after his impressive debut against the Saints. Add to that the situation at QB for the Rams.

Join us tonight for some Turf Show Radio, 7:30 p.m. Central.

Rams assembling a good team, on IR

VanRam — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 17:22:19 -0000

More photos » by Tom Gannam - AP

The Rams are putting together a decent IR team.

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The St. Louis Rams have added FS Oshiomogho Atogwe to their lengthy injured reserve list, ending his season.

It's a huge blow to the Rams, as they now lose their best playmaker on defense...their only playmaker on defense really. Togs hasn't had the INT totals we grew accustomed to - no surprise given the lack of pressure the Rams put on passers - he has been able to force fumbles, giving the offense valuable field position to squander away.

Once again, injuries have taken their toll on the Rams. Let's review the IR list.

Bradley Fletcher, this year's third round pick emerged as a solid starting CB, giving the Rams a nice press corner to play along side the more finesse oriented Ron Bartell. He suffered a very serious injury hyperextending his knee and putting his sophomore season in jeopardy.

Adam Carriker, a third year, former first round pick who needed to take the next step forward under new head coach Steve Spagnuolo. Carriker didn't even make it to the regular season.

Second-year receiver Keenan Burton was starting to gain some consistency as a possession guy in the Rams woeful passing game. Can Burton ever escape the injury-plagued label now?

Laurent Robinson was looking like the steal of the offseason after GM Billy Devaney acquired him for a late round pick swap. He made it through three games. Robinson also carries the injury-plagued label.

Signed as a free agent in April, Gary Gibson came on strong in the preseason, filling in for Adam Carriker. He gave the Rams a decent DT to play along side Clifton Ryan.

Defensive end C.J. Ah You was never going to be confused for a Pro Bowler, but he started to thrive as a situational guy under Spagnuolo.

The Rams have six starters on that list, and could very well add Marc Bulger in the near future. Rounding out IR are FS Eric Bassey, WR Brooks Foster, and LS Chris Massey.

Looking back at the specific injuries to these players there's no one cause that stands out, as easy as it might seem to blame turf. My theory on why the Rams lose so many key players: The team lacks talent so these guys step up and play harder, exposing themselves to great risk of injury.

Changing the route on Rams receiver needs

VanRam — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:24:41 -0000

More photos » by Keith Srakocic - AP

Notre Dame wide receiver Golden Tate...could he be what the Rams are looking for at WR?

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Over at his NFC West blog, Mike Sando takes a quick look at the St. Louis Rams wide receivers, reviewing some of the surprises and struggles.

We started the season with some glaring question marks at that position, but hasn't been all bad for the Rams at WR this year. Laurent Robinson established a rythm with Marc Bulger right out of the gate. Donnie Avery struggled through the first half, dropping passes and looking unfit for a #1 WR type of role. You notice this week, his best of the season, the Rams used him down the field and played to his strengths. Keenan Burton started to come on recently too, playing hard and catching some balls over the middle. This week also featured the impressive debut of Brandon Gibson, and while it's hard to base an analysis off of one week, he looks to have been a real find.

Now, the rest of the receivers, uh, they leave a little to be desired. But what about next season? Through the first half of this year, finding a true blue #1 WR has been a need fans have agreed upon. For many, that position is in the conversation for a first round pick in the upcoming draft. And then we played the Saints.

In the game thread, someone mentioned that the Rams WR situation got a lot more interesting with Robinson, Avery and Gibson in mix next year. For Avery and Robinson, experience will no longer be lacking. Looking a group that starts with those three makes the debate about a first round WR much more interesting.

One thing to remember about that group. Avery and Robinson have had trouble staying healthy, and adding Burton into the mix as a 4th WR, you get a group that's sat out as many NFL games as they've played, or so it seems. In other words, don't get too comfortable with the idea that the Rams can sacrifice the chance to take a WR in the first round, especially if they end up winning a few more games and getting out of Suh territory.

The Rams still need a receiver next season. I can't concede that point. Gibson looks like a nice complement to Avery, but we still need some time to really get a sense of what we've got in him. The Rams have lots of needs to fill, but we've seen what happened through the first 8 games with the offense because of the WR issue (of course, some of that's on the QB too).

We do have a little more room to see what kind of player becomes available in the second or third rounds. Maybe someone like an Eric Decker or Golden Tate. Thoughts? Do we still need a solid #1 WR?

Halfway Through: 5 Notes on 2009

ram_rod — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:14:59 -0000

More photos » by Carlos Osorio - AP

about 1 month ago: St. Louis Rams running back Stephen Jackson (39) is chased by Detroit Lions Turk McBride (75), DeAndre Levy (54), Dewayne White (99), Louis Delmas (26) and Ko Simpson, left, during the third quarter of an NFL football game at Ford Field in Detroit, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

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Here are five ideas that I have concluded are true (feel free to disagree with me in the comments).

1. We're getting more production from unknowns then our stars

Ok, star's isn't exactly the word to use (moneymakers? dead weight?). But with the exception of the first two picks of the draft this year and Jason Brown and Steven Jackson, we aren't getting the production you'd expect from the big-shot Rams players. Marc Bulger and Chris Long are obvious (you can throw Adam Carriker in there too). But the little moves we made to grab unknown players like Danny Amendola, Craig Dahl, Daniel Fells and Laurent Robinson sure paid off a lot more then most of our bigger splashes. Speaking of big splashes...

2. We effectively traded a talented Will Witherspoon for nothing.

Nothing against Brandon Gibson, but Will Witherspoon has been quite good since we've traded him. I'm not saying the trade wasn't justified, but since Gibson hasn't done anything to help the Rams (understand that isn't a shot at him), we effectively traded veteran linebacker with probably three pretty good seasons for nothing. Don't think I thought we should have gotten two first round picks for him (Roy Williams) but so far, we got the short end of the stick.

3. Steve Spagnuolo is a good coach

The Giants brought in a bunch of coveted free agents on defense, and they still can't pull it together. Spag's doesn't have the personnel here that he did in NY, but along with the players, I firmly believe that he can put a winning team together. Pat Shurmur on the other hand...that's a wait and see. But even professional drivers can't do much with a Daewoo.

4. We should have a 1-2 punch at RB

Steven Jackson is too good of a back to never see the light. We need someone who can help him so that when the Rams get good, he won't be washed out. I'd hate to see him turn into the nice, responsible Larry Johnson. Jimmy Clausen and Tim Tebow aren't the answer (I'm from Seattle. I'm not throwing golden boy Jake Locker into that mess just yet). With that being said, we also need to get this offensive line in future mode. It's about time somebody created an online petition to start Jason Smith at LT.

5. How do you feel about Ryan Pickett?

Just saying...he could be a free agent...Aubrayo Franklin perhaps? Aaron Kampman? Ndamukong Suh? We need somebody to help on the D-Line. I want Gary Gibson back, but this James Hall Leonard Little combo just isn't going to cut it for much longer.

The twilight of Marc Bugler's career

VanRam — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:01:52 -0000

More photos » by Paul Sancya - AP

St. Louis Rams quarterback Marc Bulger has lost it.

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Football Outsiders has their "Quick Read" feature up today, looking back on the individual performances from week 8. The numbers confirmed two things for the St. Louis Rams.

First, Marc Bulger was unable to make much happen against one of the league's worst pass defenses, even with time in the pocket. Few Rams watchers will forget memorable throws in the bottom of the strike zone against the Lions defensive line. Here's what FO said:

If you take Marc Bulger's combined performance from 2007, 2008, and the first half of 2009, and then place it on a 16-game scale, his numbers aren't pretty: 266-of-465 for 2855 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions. They're a dead ringer for Jim Everett's 1996 season in New Orleans: 267-of-464, 2797 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions. Why is that relevant? Mainly because Everett would take 75 more snaps as a professional quarterback after that season. Bulger is just about done, and his inability to produce against an awful pass defense was just a sign that he's part of the problem in St. Louis, not the solution.

Looking back, I don't think the Rams had much choice in keeping Bulger. The cap hit for releasing him would have been huge and left the Rams with lots of dead money. And, there was ample reason to think that with a better OL and a healthy Steven Jackson that Bulger would have been acceptable for a rebuilding team. I think the team and lots of fans underestimated just how talent-depleted our group of WRs were. Had Laurent Robinson not been injured, that might have been a different story, giving Bulger a reliable option and keeping Avery in the deep threat role he's built for.

GM Billy Devaney and the coaching staff made the decision to focus their efforts on the offensive line, and I still think that was the right call, no matter how painful it is to watch Bulger play. I'm a big believer in the theory that teams build success from the lines up, and the Rams had big issues on the OL. Sure, Pace is having a decent season this year, but he couldn't be counted on for much beyond that given his age (look at Seattle's predicament with Walter Jones now). Getting an OL in place and a cornerstone lineman in Jason Smith sets the Rams up well for the 2010 season, when if they need to take a QB in the draft they can because they can put him behind an experienced line.

And on the hero of the game, Steven Jackson, here's what FO said about him:

Jackson had 17 carries on first down, and nine of them were successes, including three first downs and a 25-yard touchdown run that gave the Rams a lead they would not relinquish. He also converted a pair of third-and-1 attempts.

The Rams had 21 first downs through the whole game and ran Jackson on 17 of them. If the Rams are going to win anymore games this season, they'll have to have a liberal dose of Steven Jackson.

Rams trade Will Witherspoon to the Eagles

VanRam — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 20:51:10 -0000

More photos » by Bradley C Bower - AP

The St. Louis Rams acquired WR Brandon Gibson from the Eagles today.

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The St. Louis Rams made a big move at the NFL trade deadline, sending one of their top linebackers to the Philadelphia Eagles for a much-needed wide receiver and a 2010 draft pick.

Since coming to the Rams in 2006, LB Will Witherspoon had been miscast as the team's middle linebacker. This season, he was moved back to the weakside to take advantage of his speed and athleticism. The Rams linebackers have been much better this season thanks in part to the decision to move Witherspoon and the emergence of 2009 second round pick James Laurinaitis, the team's first true MLB since London Fletcher. Ironically enough, it sounds like the Eagles will move Spoon to the middle.

In exchange for Witherspoon the Rams get WR Brandon Gibson and a fifth-round pick in the 2010 draft. It sounds like Gibson is not without talent. By all accounts he's said to have a great work ethic and dedicated to his team, i.e. he meets the "four pillars." To me, he seems like a decent enough complement to Avery's deep speed and Amendola in the slot. Could Gibson be the Laurent Robinson replacement the Rams need? He was a sixth round pick in this year's draft. I can't imagine that he won't suit up with the receiver depleted Rams.

I'm shocked by this move. Witherspoon has been among the Rams better defensive players in recent seasons. Of course, for a defense that's set records for their ineptness, that means nothing. Witherspoon will be 30 next season, and the Rams don't have many players left on the roster over 30, an intentional move on the part of the team's leadership. This leaves a hole on defense right now. Paris Lenon most likely takes over on the weakside once David Vobora returns after this week's game against the Colts.

Poll

Do you agree with the Rams decision to trade Will Witherspoon?

Yes

277 votes

No

330 votes

607 votes | Poll has closed

Wide Receiver Woes

kevinramsfan — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 05:53:17 -0000

More photos » by Elise Amendola - AP

FILE - This guy needs to step up. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola,file)

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It's no secret the Rams passing game has suffered so far this season. Averaging an anemic 140 yds/g (30th in the league), the road gets no easier against the Vikings (who are 12th in the league in yds/g pass D). The loss of Laurent Robinson was a big blow for this team, as he was looking like he was turning into a nice little off-season pickup for the team. Now, it's up to second-year WRs Donnie Avery and Keenan Burton to pick up the slack. Thing is, they're both a little hamstrung. Literally. Burton and Avery are both listed as questionable to play against the Vikings, with Burton the most likely of the two to see extensive playing time. Ruvell Martin is also a little nicked up, and no one knows exactly what Danny Amendola can bring in the passing game.

That leaves undrafted practice-squad call up Nate Jones as the only fully healthy wide receiver on the team.

Just for a little background, Jones went undrafted in 2008 and spent some time on the Vikings practice squad last year. After a quiet first three years at Texas playing behind talents like Limas Sweed, Jones blew up his senior year. In 2007, he caught 70 balls for almost 800 yards and 5 touchdowns. More importantly, he averaged 11.4 yds per reception. He's pretty quick, too. I found one 40-yard dash time at 4.41 seconds. Now obviously there's probably a good reason he did not get drafted and was on the practice squad behind some pedestrian wide receivers. But, I think this guy could bring a change of pace that could benefit the uninspired play calling and execution in the passing game. Let's hope we don't have to go five wide! In any case, look for an improving Daniel Fells and Steven Jackson to have some balls come their way so there isn't too much pressure put on this banged-up group.

Other Stuff:

The full injury report for the game. Kind of resembles a MASH unit, but I guess we're used to that by now.
Nate Jones bio from the official Rams website.
The line has gone up to Rams -10 1/2. That's probably because...
Adrian Peterson is good. Really good. One of my knocks on fantasy football is that it causes conflicts-of-interest. AP is on my 4-0 team, and I'm playing a really good team this week, so I need him to do well. I guess it's a win-win...AP goes off, well that's just one step closer to Sam Bradford. AP doesn't go off, Rams have a good shot of winning. Guess we'll just have to wait and see.

Enjoy the game. GO RAMS.

Chapter 3, Game 5 - vs. Minnesota Vikings (Oct. 11th)

3k — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 14:28:22 -0000

Once upon a time, Brett Favre shaved his face. The end. Did you like that story, Brett?

I guess not. Breakdown of a game we probably shouldn't watch after the fold.

For game-specific info, check out tthe SBN event page for this game. For Vikings news leading up the game, check out Daily Norseman.

St. Louis Rams, 0-4 4th - NFC West

Minnesota Vikings, 4-0, 1st - NFC North

Parentheses include NFL rankings in that area out of 32 teams. Statistics taken from ESPN & FootballOutsiders.

STL pass - 64/123, 52% (31st), 139.5 yds/gm (30th), 3 TD, 2 int (t-22nd), 67.5 rat,

-18.3% pDVOA (27th)

MIN pass D - 80/127, 63.0%, 211.25 yds/gm (14th), 6 TD, 5 int (t-6th), 84.6 rat,

-11.1% pdDVOA (6th)

Let me introduce a recurring theme you will probably pick up on throughout this preview: this does not look good for the Rams.

Minnesota has led going into the 4th quarter in every game they've played this season. Despite that reality (and the fact it pushes teams to pass more heavily than they would normally), the Vikings' pass defense has been very good this season. Minnesota's secondary boasts a great pair of CBs in veteran Antoine Winfield and Cedric Griffin to go with a solid FS, Madieu Williams. Tyrell Johnson, their promising starting 2nd year strong safety, would be a focal point of most defenses, but for Minnesota's secondary, he's the weak link. This is a tough unit to deal with, made even tougher when looking at the Rams' depth chart.

Donnie Avery was limited and Keenan Burton sat out yesterday's practice. Add that to our two receivers who continue to be listed as out for the season, Laurent Robinson and rookie Brooks Foster, and you're looking at arguably the least talented, least experienced and most injured WR corps. Mark Bulger will likely sit this one out before being eligible for next Sunday's game in Jacksonville, so all we can really hope for is that nobody gets injured (worse) and that Boller makes a play or two.

STL run - 25 rsh/gm, 111.75 yds/gm (13th), 4.47 yds/carry (9th), 0 TD, -14.2% rDVOA (25th)

MIN run D - 24.25 rsh/gm, 89.5 yds/gm (9th), 3.69 yds/carry, 0 TD, -3.9% rdDVOA (16th)

This does not look good for the Rams. This is a matchup of zeroes. Minnesota is one of two teams yet to give up a rushing touchdown (along with the Rams' previous opponent, San Francisco). St. Louis is one of three teams yet to score a rushing touchdown. While Steven Jackson is the lone member of St. Louis' offense that is feared around the NFL, he hasn't had the opportunity deep in opposing territory to taste the end zone. Luckily, he's got the weakest unit of the Vikings' defense charged with keeping him under wraps - their LBs.

The tough thing is, while their LBs aren't top-tier, none of their starting three can be considered subpar. While E.J. Henderson had been dealing with a shoulder injury, he played on Monday against the Packers and looked fine. If there's ever a game that you feel more than the ordinary level of pity for Action Jackson, this is it.

STL O-line - 2.5 sacks allowed/game (23rd), 7.6% ASR (Adj. Sack Rate) (25th)

MIN D-line - 4 sacks/game (1st), 10.3% ASR (1st)

This does not look good for the Rams. Like a challenge? I hope so. Minnesota's starting DTs, Kevin and Pat Williams, make up the best DT duo in the NFL. And Jared Allen is a sack factory. It looks as if Jason Smith will be back, though he likely won't get the start. The rest of the O-line is good to go, although "good to go" takes on a different meaning when you're talking about Alex Barron. Coming off of his second half benching in San Francisco, Alex has something to prove that he's been unable to prove since... well, since he's been drafted - that he can play with the fire of Incognito. Speaking of Richie I, you have to worry about this one. This is the kind of situation that lends itself to a blow up, so keep an ear out for the broadcast team to announce his name after a play that sees him tied up with Kevin Williams well after the whistle.

MIN pass - 86/128, 67.2% (4th), 198 yds/gm, 8 TD, 1 int, 103.4 rat, 37.4% pDVOA (9th)

STL pass D - 75/119, 63.0%, 224.5 yds/gm (19th), 7 TD, 2 int, 100.2 rat, 11.2% pdDVOA (24th)

This does not look good for the Rams. If we're lucky, we'll get a slow start from Favre after Monday night's game. If the Vikings come in taking this one for granted, we have to make the most out of it. O.J. Atogwe has to get a turnover, and Ron Bartell (who will play) has to lead the Rams' CBs in shutting down the multiple targets Favre uses. He spread it out pretty evenly among Bernard Berrian, Sidney Rice, Percy Harvin and backup RB Chester Taylor, so there is no safe spot in our secondary. Don't forget TE Visanthe Shiancoe, an experienced TE who can make things happen in the red zone.

MIN run - 29.75 rsh/gm, 123.5 yds/gm (24th), 4.15 yds/carry (16th), 5 TD, -3.9% rDVOA (16th)

STL run D - 33.25 rsh/gm, 135 yds/gm, 4.06 yds/carry (16th), 3 TD, 4.6% rdDVOA (26th)

The Rams have performed admirably against the run considering who we've had to roll out at DT. Still, this is quite a task for us to deal with. James Laurinaitis and Will Witherspoon will have to bring their A-game, or we could fall behind very quickly. I don't think I have to use this space to extol Adrian Peterson's virtues.

MIN O-line - 2.25 sacks allowed/game (t-16th), 6.9% ASR (22nd)

STL D-line - 1.75 sack/game (t-19th), 5.2% ASR (23rd)

While Minnesota doesn't boast the best line in the league, they can still get the job done in both pass and run blocking aspects. Steve Hutchinson is a future HOFer. Bryant McKinnie is underrated. And rookie Phil Loadholt has great upside (though his ankle may slow him on Sunday). Given the Rams' line, we're going to have to throw more than 4 guys at the Vikings' O-line to get pressure on Brett.

This week's top 3 storylines brought to you by three confusing Vikings fans:

1.) : Let's start with the bolt down the middle of his head. He must be a Vikings/Chargers hybrid fan; he runs off of Viking gasoline mainly, but can switch over to Charger electricity when coasting thereby saving the Earth. Take note of the pants as well. Are they pajama pants? Chefwear? Only ElectroViking will ever know.

2.) : This one's tough. Were it not for the Vikings stand in the background, you might not even identify these two as Vikings fans. The shoulder skulls? A clear Raider fan knock off. And that hat looks more like a Russian ushanka than your typical Vikings wear, but maybe that's what they were going for: the Russian folk Viking look. With shoulder skulls.

3.) : We have a winner. Let's start with the face paint. While he's definitely more purple than fan #1, it looks much worse. An homage to Violet Beauregarde? Don't. Stop. Wait. And you have to give him credit. #1 may have dyed his fu manchu and goatee, but this guy has no time for facial hair. He just applies yellow face paint to represent his mustache and what I'm assuming were supposed to be eyebrows. Instead, he just looks like a sad purple clown. Let's continue.

The VWO belt certainly is a reference to the NWO of WCW and later WWE fame. That can't be comfortable to wear while sitting, so I bowed in respect to the pain of his fandom...until I looked at that tattoo. No, not the obvious Viking one - that blue star on his right arm... is that a Cowboys' star? Suddenly this all takes on a new light. Reformed Cowboys fan? Closet Cowboy? Confused adult who needs both behavioral and mental help? I lean towards that last one only as long as he can keep wearing his clown face. Because what is worth living for if you can't wear a clown face while doing it?

Go clown faces, but more importantly, go Rams!

49ers-Rams Wednesday Injury Report

Fooch — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 22:50:03 -0000

The 49ers find themselves facing a rather banged up St. Louis Rams squad. The 49ers injury list includes many more players, but Frank Gore and Reggie Smith are supposed to be the only two players missing this Sunday. The Rams could be rolling out Kyle Boller at QB and one player not listed below is WR Laurent Robinson, who was placed on IR a couple days ago.

I mentioned before that the 49ers have no excuses for this game, and with many of the Rams injuries and suspensions, the "no excuse" mantra rings even louder. No Coffee? Better be no problems. We'll see how things develop, but conceivably the Rams could be without a pair of offensive tackles, their QB and half their secondary. I'd expect CB Ron Bartell to play, but we'll see about S James Butler.

49ers
Out (Definitely will not play)
RB Frank Gore (ankle)
SS Reggie Smith (groin)

Did not Participate in Practice
DE Justin Smith (not injury related)
G David Baas (biceps)
CB Allen Rossum (illness)
OT Joe Staley (thigh)
LB Jeff Ulbrich (thigh)

Limited Participation in Practice
LB Takeo Spikes (shin)

Full Participation in Practice
TE Vernon Davis (shin)
OT Adam Snyder (thumb)

Rams
Did not Participate in Practice
QB Marc Bulger (right shoulder)
S James Butler (knee)
OT Jason Smith (knee)

Limited Participation in Practice
OT Alex Barron (thigh)
CB Ron Bartell (thigh)

Rams roster math

VanRam — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:39:22 -0000

More photos » by Tom Gannam - AP

St. Louis Rams linebacker David Vobora has been suspended by the NFL, without pay, for the next four games for violating its policy on performance enhancing substances. The NFL made the announcement Tuesday, Sept. 29, and said Vobora's suspension begins immediately. He can return to the active roster Oct. 26. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)

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The St. Louis Rams have made a surprising amount of roster moves in the last 24 hours, out of unfortunate necessity. Let's do the math.

WR Laurent Robinson to Injured Reserve. WR Nate Jones promoted from the practice squad to replace him.

LB David Vobora suspended for four games for violating the league's PED policy. LB Dominic Douglas promoted from the practice squad to replace Vobora.

DT Hollis Thomas is released. And...

So there's another move to be made to fill up the 53-man roster.

DT Marlon Favorite was signed to the practice squad. Occam's Razor says Favorite or DT Leger Douzable will get Thomas' spot. Of course, there are other potential outcomes as well. Stay tuned.

[Note by VanRam, 09/30/09 12:59 PM EDT ] And we have our answer. DT Leger Douzable was promoted to the 53-man roster. Douzable was signed by the Giants last season, getting actived in December...filling the spot vacated by none other than Plaxico Burress. I don't know much about Douzable, but given his size, 6'4" 305 lbs, and reputation as a pass rusher at University of Central Florida, it might indicate that the Rams are making moves at DT with the intent to get more pressure on opposing QBs, something they've taken lots of criticism for this season. More pressure, consistently, up front should also help a secondary with an ailing Ron Bartell that got burned on a couple of big plays last week.