By Bill Coats
Of the Post-Dispatch
09/01/2005
First, the Rams signed two veteran linebackers in the offseason. Then,
Brandon Chillar's left shoulder, surgically repaired only a few months earlier, began acting up again.
It wasn't exactly the way Chillar envisioned heading into his second NFL season. "That's tough," said Chillar, a 6-foot-3, 253-linebacker out of UCLA. "But it's part of the game, and you've just got to deal with it."
Chillar, a fourth-round draft choice last year, had a solid rookie season. He played in all 16 regular-season games, plus both postseason contests. He started five times - three at outside linebacker and two at middle linebacker.
Those spots in the lineup now are occupied by Dexter Coakley and Chris Claiborne, respectively. Coakley, who spent eight seasons with Dallas, and Claiborne, a seven-year pro, was with Minnesota the past two years.
"When they bring in people like that, you know they're going to play; that's kind of how the game goes," Chillar said. "Any way I can contribute: special teams, backup, nickel - anything that I can do - I'm just trying to get on the field as much as I can."
But, he added, "I'm not helping myself being hurt."
Chillar, who had surgery for a torn labrum, was diagnosed with a rotator cuff injury in the same shoulder a few weeks ago. While his teammates practiced and played three preseason games, he was busy rehabbing.
He's progressed to the point where he's expected to make his preseason debut tonight, when the Rams meet the Kansas City Chiefs at the Edward Jones Dome.
Hurricane relief
Rams linebacker Trev Faulk said he wants to hook up with other NFL players from Louisiana and organize a relief effort for victims of Hurricane Katrina.
"I'm probably going to call a couple of guys and see if they might be interested in doing something," he said. "We've got quite a few guys that are playing up here. ... I'm just praying for everybody down there, and I'm going to try to see what I can do to help. It's a real, real sad situation."
Faulk said his hometown of Lafayette, La., about 100 miles northwest of New Orleans, was unaffected. Still, he said, seeing photos and television images of the damage is "unbelievable, really, really unbelievable. Over the last couple of days, my heart and my mind have been back home with all the people that are going through everything. It's been tough."
Faulk said he planned to consult with teammate - and distant cousin - Marshall Faulk, a New Orleans native, and also might try to get the NFL Players Association involved.
Security at Dome
Because of a new NFL policy, fans entering the Dome tonight will be subject to security pat-downs. Also, no bags larger than a handbag or ***** pack will be permitted inside, and bags will be inspected.
Fans are encouraged to arrive early because of the security procedures. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., with kickoff set for 7:05.
Ram-blings
The latest victim of the flu that is running through the roster is rookie guard Claude Terrell. "He was down for the count (Thursday) morning, so we just sent him home," coach Mike Martz said. Defensive end
Leonard Little, absent Wednesday with the illness, watched practice from the sideline Thursday. ... Others who sat out were cornerback Terry Fair (neck), defensive tackle Ryan Pickett (back), tight end Roland Williams (knee), safety Michael Stone (leg) and linebacker Trev Faulk (back).
Linear Mode
