Wednesday, August 18, 2004
By Nick Wagoner
Staff Writer
The Rams didn’t allow arguably the hottest practice of the year to put a damper on their workouts. St. Louis had a crisp afternoon practice after a morning workout, with the first-team offense looking particularly sharp. Receiver
Torry Holt made too many catches to count, grabbing everything within reach and a few that weren’t.
It’s possible Holt is better than last year, a scary thought because he led the league in receptions (117) and yards (1,696). Holt also grabbed 12 touchdowns for good measure.
CURTIS RECOVERING: Receiver Kevin Curtis, who has had an impressive camp following a year of rehabilitation from a broken leg, is battling shin splints.
Curtis’ blazing speed and lack of work on the leg is the most likely cause of the injury. He has sat out most of this week’s practices. “I’m not getting comfortable right now… it’s not too serious,” Curtis said. I’m just lucky and fortunate that they can afford to rest me right now. I’m trying to take advantage of it.”
With Holt and Isaac Bruce not likely to play too long Monday night in Kansas City, Curtis recognizes another opportunity to earn his place in the receiver corps. Curtis said he is confident he will play against the Chiefs.
“I think I’m going to put some ice on here a couple days or so, and don’t plan on sitting out for them (the shin splints) anymore,” Curtis said. “This is just a one time thing.”
MR. VERSATILITY: Defensive lineman Anthony Hargrove took repetitions with the defensive tackles on Wednesday. Hargrove had worked exclusively at end during camp, but the emergence of a number of ends, including Erik Flowers, and the injuries to Jimmy Kennedy (foot) and Bernard Holsey (knee) left a need for another body inside.
Martz said Hargrove possesses many of the assets he looks for in a defensive tackle playing the “three” technique.
“We are just kind of looking at him inside,” Martz said. “We just think with his speed and size he might be able to add something for us. We’re just trying to get guys moved around a little bit.”
As for Flowers, he has shown well in camp, exhibiting many of the same qualities that made
Leonard Little a top prospect at end. Flowers had a pair of sacks against the Bears in the opening preseason game with one coming after mammoth Aaron Gibson fell on him. “He’s made a lot of progress,” Martz said. “I’m pleased with his work ethic and what he’s doing. He’s always been thought of as too small to be a defensive end…to bring him in here and teach him the position, he has come quite a ways.”
DISHMAN RETURNS: Chris Dishman, who received a few extra days off to be with his family and tie up loose ends at his home in Nebraska, made his comeback to practice Wednesday.
Dishman wasted no time making his presence felt in the afternoon workout. He stopped a hard-charging Anthony Hargrove in his tracks and knocked him down with a perfectly-executed pancake block.
INJURY UPDATE: Joining Curtis on the sidelines Wednesday afternoon was
Steven Jackson (knee), Robert Cromartie (hamstring) and Cameron Cleeland (hamstring). Fullback Erik Jensen made his return to practice after dealing with knee injuries for the past two weeks.
A pair of Rams suffered injuries in the morning. Tackle Grant Williams sprained his right ankle and sat out the afternoon workout. Martz said Williams probably wouldn’t miss an extended period.
The more serious injury happened to DeJuan Groce. Groce sprained his knee and was immediately taken back to St. Louis for an M.R.I. Martz said the team already got word back about Groce and he appears to be OK. “DeJuan is fine,” Martz said. “Fortunately there is no structural damage. There is a little swelling. We are all very fortunate that he didn’t damage it.”
MISSING IN ACTION: Little left after the morning practice because of the death of his grandmother. Martz said Little will return after he is able to take some time to grieve and get things in order.
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