Update on the WR battle or lack of

[Rambos]

Some random comments on the WR competition... still no clear answer

Free agent wide receiver Mark Clayton will visit the New England Patriots for a workout tomorrow. The St. Louis Rams almost had a deal worked out with Clayton before the lockout, which made it seem like a foregone conclusion that Clayton would re-sign with the Rams as soon as the lockout ended. However, his injured knee made did not pass muster with the Rams medical staff once the league returned to business.

Last week, ESPN's John Clayton - no relation - said that Clayton would likely rejoin the Rams at some point. That seems less likely since the team hasn't re-signed him. St. Louis could re-sign Clayton and put him on the PUP list, since he hasn't practiced since the start of the league year, obviously. That the Rams did not sign him and add him to the PUP list suggests several possibilities.

First, it seems unlikely that the Rams would have given Clayton the same deal he almost signed in March with his knee still a concern some ten months after he injured it. Perhaps they did make him an offer, with the intent of putting him on the PUP (physically unable to perform) list, but the two sides could not agree to a contract.

Still, the gaggle of players vying for a final spot on the roster looked sharp in practice today. ESPN's Mike Sando echoed Sam Bradford and Josh McDaniels' praise for Donnie Avery's efforts on the practice field today. Avery will play on Saturday against the Titans.

In other good news, Mike Sims-Walker practiced today and is likely to play this weekend as well. That's a pleasant change of events from earlier in the week when it looked like MSW would probably have to sit out this week. You don't need me to remind you that the Rams need all their receivers on the field battling for a roster spot.

The St. Louis Rams wide receivers demanded most of the attention at today's practice session. Back in action for the first time in almost two weeks, all eyes were on Donnie Avery. Players coming and going from practice sessions rarely merits a mention this time of year, but it's a different story with The Speedy One. And just how did Avery do in practice today?

Reports on Donnie ranged from glowing to skeptical. Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo took a very measured tone in his talking points to the press.

I thought he made a couple of nice cuts and a couple of nice catches. So maybe he's getting his feet underneath him, getting a little confident again. He's battled those things, but we're optimistic with Donnie right now.

ESPN.com's NFC West writer, Mike Sando, was at Rams camp this week, and in this bit he offers up his first impressions of the Ram's WRs. He said the Rams were confident enough in McDaniel's system that they didn't think they needed to get a big name receiver like Sydney Rice. He also mention that McDaniel's liking of the word "stress" in his offense means that the Rams don't need a guy with blazing speed. Sando list Amendola, MSW, Gibson, Petits, and Salas as guys who are likely to earn roster spots. This leaves one or maybe two spots open for 7 receivers. He mentions the DX seems like a guy to keep around, but there are concerns if his knee holds up. Sando also mentioned concerns with Avery's health. He mentioned Mardy's strong camp, but he doesn't believe we will have a spot for him. Basically in this piece, Sando said what we all have said. The WR competition is still in its infancy.

[r8rh8rmike]

I guess Clayton may not be the lock people thought he would be. I wonder if the Rams still want him? Things are still very much up in the air. Gibson is looking good, Gilyard is improving, MSW, Avery and Salas are now back, and DX is still gutting it out. Saturday's game should be fun to watch with the battle in full swing.

[mikhal5569]

For the love of god, Clayton better not go to the Pats. The last thing I want to see is him helping them out in any shape or form after all the trash talk the fans talk about the Rams wide reciever core.

[Ram Mar Ram]

Clayton to the pats, probably just routine but you never know, probably a good move by Clayton, if the Rams want him, they might have to pull finger if others are interested rather than just wait-and-see.

[Nick]

if the Rams want him, they might have to pull finger

I don't think I'd recommend that as a negotiating tactic.

[Azul e Oro]

I don't think I'd recommend that as a negotiating tactic.

Right tactic, wrong appendage....

[Bar-bq]

Right tactic, wrong appendage....

You wouldn't be pulling poor Nick's leg, would you?

[Azul e Oro]

You wouldn't be pulling poor Nick's leg, would you?

Right tactic, wrong appendage.