First Practice in Final Mini Camp

[RamsFan16]

First Practice in Final Mini Camp


By: Howard Balzer
Gridiron Gateway
Date: Jun 9, 2006

The St. Louis Rams have kicked off the final mini-camp from Rams Park. No Marshall Faulk and other question marks loom. You have more questions? The defense purhaps? How will the revamped offense look? Find out here...

*Will Marshall Faulk be in attendance?
No sooner had this been posted that word came of Faulk's plan to skip the minicamp, ostensibly because of problems with his knees.
However, Faulk was totally absent from the minicamp, unlike other injured players not participating in drills. It was also odd that Faulk did not inform coach Scott Linehan of his plans; he had agent Rocky Arceneaux do his dirty work.
While it's true Faulk had surgery on both knees, and that he got married May 9 in Orlando, he is busy with activities this weekend in St. Louis for his foundation.
There are rumblings that Faulk has an issue with Linehan, and that is why he is staying away from the minicamp. There is also speculation he isn't pleased with running back Steven Jackson's constant yapping about not getting the ball enough last season. It's considered possible that Faulk doesn't want to play for the Rams anymore.


*What will the first offensive line unit look like?
Center Andy McCollum and right guard Adam Timmerman both ran with the first unit in the morning minicamp practice, leaving the line the same as last season except for left guard. It's notable that Richie Incognito was at that spot with the first and second unit, and it appears it could be his job to lose.
The second line, left to right, was Drew Strojny, Incognito, Larry Turner, Blaine Saipaia and Todd Steussie. The third line was Ben Noll, Claude Terrell, Dominic Raiola, Tony Palmer and Jason Hilliard.

*Is linebacker Brandon Chillar recovered from shoulder problems?
Yes. Chillar worked with the first unit at strong-side linebacker, with Raonall Smith No. 2. Other linebacking notes had Jamal Brooks at middle linebacker with the second unit because Trev Faulk remains sidelined with a back problem. Dexter Coakley, back from a broken leg suffered last season, was with the second team at weak-side linebacker.

*How deep is Travis Fisher in the doghouse, and is Jerametrius Butler ready to compete?
Maybe not as deep as suspected. Fisher was the left cornerback with the first team, while Fakhir Brown was on the right corner. Jerametrius Butler is said to be healthy, but did not participate as a precaution.


*Who is the leader at free safety?
It remains O.J. Atogwe. Jerome Carter worked with the No. 2 unit. The No. 2 strong safety was Dwaine Carpenter, who j

[Mercclass]

Thanks for the info

[Ahbatu Ujeema]

My man

[evil disco man]

It's notable that Richie Incognito was at that spot with the first and second unit, and it appears it could be his job to lose.

[insert creepy Mr. Burns imitation]
Excellent.

The third line was Ben Noll, Claude Terrell, Dominic Raiola, Tony Palmer and Jason Hilliard.

Claude's hanging out with the 'practice squaders.' Not a good sign. Hopefully it's just that wrist injury keeping him from lifting as much and getting back into playing shape. He and Incognito could be a good pair of guards for us for many years if last season wasn't a fluke.

*How deep is Travis Fisher in the doghouse, and is Jerametrius Butler ready to compete?
Maybe not as deep as suspected. Fisher was the left cornerback with the first team, while Fakhir Brown was on the right corner. Jerametrius Butler is said to be healthy, but did not participate as a precaution.

If those rumors about Fisher wanting a trade were true, I wonder if this is just a way for the team to pump up his value a little bit in hopes of drawing interest. I'm not sure what to think about Fakhir Brown, I just have this feeling that if nobody ends up beating him out of the starting position [Hill, Butler, Bartell], it doesn't say much about our depth. I can't come to trust Haslett's eye for talent just yet.

Good stuff from Balzer as usual.