Notebook: Faulk needs to decide on future, coach says
By Bill Coats
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
Saturday, Jun. 10 2006
Whether sore-kneed Marshall Faulk figures into the Rams' plans for the 2006
season needs to be determined soon, Scott Linehan said Friday. For now, though,
the decision rests solely with Faulk, the new head coach added.
"Only he knows how he feels, his own body," Linehan said. "Guys that have
played at such a high level for so many years and have taken so many hits,
sometimes it starts to wear you down a little bit. And he's trying to figure
out how he can manage it."
Linehan is directing his third spring minicamp, and Faulk remains in absentia.
The 33-year-old running back underwent arthroscopic surgery on both knees in
February and has been slow to recover.
"He came in and visited with me two weeks ago, and he told me one of his knees
isn't responding well; it just isn't ready," Linehan said. "It's frustrating
for him, I know, and we're hoping that he's able to get it resolved and things
start coming around for him. We've just got to do business as usual."
Faulk, a 12-year veteran who last season backed up
Steven Jackson, has been
unavailable to reporters. His agent, Rocky Arceneaux, called Linehan on
Thursday and informed him that Faulk was "physically unable" to participate in
minicamp.
Asked if he'd prefer that Faulk at least attend meetings and observe from the
sideline, Linehan said: "On one hand, yes. But on the other hand, he's dealing
with something bigger than meetings and that. I think he's coming to terms with
whether he can do it."
That is, whether it might be time to hang up the cleats. Although Linehan said
Faulk hasn't indicated to him that he's considering retirement, the issue will
have to be addressed as the start of training camp draws closer.
"Marshall knows our sense of urgency on it," Linehan said. "That's why we're
trying to come to a conclusion."
Linehan emphasized that his relationship with Faulk is solid. "There's really
no problems, rifts, anything. I think he's just got to come to a personal
decision on whether he's going to keep going," he said. "I'm just like anybody
else, coming into it. I've been a fan of his. It's almost like, I don't want to
come to that conclusion myself, either.
"I know it's going to be a sad day for all of us if he, indeed, is
contemplating not playing anymore. But that's life, that's reality. And reality
is, time does start to catch up to you."
Happy days for Bulger
This is an enjoyable time of year for quarterback
Marc Bulger. He can work on
his golf game - he's a 4 handicap - while also honing his football skills in a
stress-free atmosphere.
"It's so much more relaxed in the offseason," said Bulger, who is preparing for
his sixth NFL season. "The tempo is less, the coaches are in a better mood, and
there's not any pressure. You're just enhancing your skills and learning the
system."
Bulger and his 83 teammates are plenty busy this weekend, though. Two practices
were held Friday, with two more scheduled for today and a final minicamp
workout set for Sunday morning. After organized team activities (OTAs) -
essentially, light practices - on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, the team
will break until July 26, when players are to report for training camp.
Ram-blings
Defensive end Clifford Dukes has been released. Dukes spent most of last season
on the practice squad. ... Rookie linebacker Jon Alston, a third-round draft
choice from Stanford, is ineligible to participate in minicamp because Stanford
is on a quarters system and the senior class hasn't graduated yet. ...
Cornerback Fakhir Brown had two interceptions in the afternoon practice. ...
Backup quarterback Gus Frerotte sat out the second session because of back
spasms. ... Kicker Remy Hamilton, signed as a free agent this week, was excused
from minicamp.
Linear Mode
