Terrell’s road takes him back to the start

[RamWraith]

By Bill Coats
09/27/2007 4:32 pm

Claude Terrell is right back where he started with the Rams. That is, left guard. In practice this week, Terrell has been in the spot previously occupied by Mark Setterstrom, who suffered a season-ending knee injury Sunday vs. Tampa Bay.

What a road Terrell has traveled back to the starting lineup. A fourth-round draft choice out of New Mexico in 2005, Terrell wound up starting 10 games – the most by a Rams rookie offensive lineman since Tom Newberry started 14 times at left guard in 1986.

Terrell suffered a wrist injury late that season and underwent offseason surgery. The wrist continued to bother him, though, and he was placed on injured reserve in late August, ending his sophomore year before it even started. Meanwhile, Setterstrom, a seventh-round pick, impressed during six starts at the end of his rookie year.

Coach Scott Linehan thought that Terrell, who had returned to his native Houston, was to have another operation, but Terrell, on the advice of a wrist specialist, decided against it. Linehan didn’t learn that until late in the season and was none too happy about it.

By the time Terrell showed up for offseason workouts, Setterstrom already had been established as the starter. Some wondered whether Terrell even would make the team.

He did, but he further damaged his cause by being tardy for a meeting just before the season-opener. He was among the inactives that Sunday.

The next two weeks, the coaches had few options: After tackle Orlando Pace (shoulder) went down and with guard Richie Incognito (ankle) still sidelined, Terrell started at right guard, alternating at times with Milford Brown.

“I just stayed positive. I know what type of player I am, and I knew it was just a matter of time,” Terrell said. “I had to get myself ready physically and mentally to go. I had some setbacks, but I now have this opportunity and I’m going to try to make the most of it.

Moving to the left side “really isn’t an adjustment for me,” said Terrell, 6 feet 2 and 330 pounds. “I’m actually more comfortable on the left. . . . But wherever I am is fine with me.”

***

It should come as no surprise that quarterback Marc Bulger, who is playing with two broken ribs receives pain-killers before a game.

“Sure . . . a lot of guys do,” he said. “There are different ways. In some guys certain things don’t work, but in some guys certain things do work. I found a nice mixture that works.”

***

Notes & quotes:

It looks as if Incognito will need another week to let his high-ankle sprain heal.

Recent free-agent pickup Richard Owens should get more work at FB Sunday at Dallas. He got in for only a handful of plays vs. the Bucs, as tight ends did most of the lead-blocking.

With RB Steven Jackson (groin) out, rookie Antonio Pittman probably will suit up vs. the Cowboys. He was inactive for the first three games.

Backup QB Gus Frerotte is getting a few extra reps in practice, just in case Bulger’s ribs don’t hold up.

CB Tye Hill (back) will miss a third consecutive game, but he’s increased the pace of his conditioning work this week.

All for now. . .

[RealRam]

Play well, big CT. :bash:

[jkramsfan]

330 lbs, he hasn't been that weight since the 5th grade.

[mikhal5569]

***

It should come as no surprise that quarterback Marc Bulger, who is playing with two broken ribs receives pain-killers before a game.

“Sure . . . a lot of guys do,” he said. “There are different ways. In some guys certain things don’t work, but in some guys certain things do work. I found a nice mixture that works.”

***

Notes & quotes:

It looks as if Incognito will need another week to let his high-ankle sprain heal.

Recent free-agent pickup Richard Owens should get more work at FB Sunday at Dallas. He got in for only a handful of plays vs. the Bucs, as tight ends did most of the lead-blocking.

With RB Steven Jackson (groin) out, rookie Antonio Pittman probably will suit up vs. the Cowboys. He was inactive for the first three games.

Backup QB Gus Frerotte is getting a few extra reps in practice, just in case Bulger’s ribs don’t hold up.

CB Tye Hill (back) will miss a third consecutive game, but he’s increased the pace of his conditioning work this week.

All for now. . .

Ah yes, more good news.