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Notebook: St. Clair eager for shot at Rams
By GREG A. BEDARD
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
Friday, October 22, 2004
DAVIE — Dolphins right tackle John St. Clair doesn't have a completely healthy right ankle, but he's doing everything he can to be in the lineup against the Rams on Sunday.
St. Clair spent his first four seasons with the Rams, who made virtually no effort to re-sign him when he became an unrestricted free agent.
"When you get an opportunity like I did this year, I want to prove to everybody that I'm a good player," St. Clair said. "Playing against your old team, I want to be out there."
St. Clair missed the past two games because of the ankle he sprained against the Jets. He is listed as questionable on the team's injury report but practiced Wednesday.
Rookie Vernon Carey has started in place of St. Clair; however, coach Dave Wannstedt said the veteran would be back in the lineup if he continues to practice.
St. Clair's tour with the Rams was tumultuous at best. All 16 of his appearances as a Ram were starts in 2002. And during his time in St. Louis, the coaches shuffled him among all five line positions and tight end.
"It was an awkward situation playing different positions like that," St. Clair said. "But at the same time they helped me mentally and physically to do what I'm doing now.
"I learned a lot. It's one of the hardest offenses in the NFL, man, and playing all the positions helped me out, especially in free agency."
St. Clair said he's still close with several Rams, including left tackle Orlando Pace and defensive end Tyoka Jackson.
"But I'm on the Dolphins now so I want to win this weekend," St. Clair said. "We need a win."
Injury report: Free safety Antuan Edwards (groin) did not practice and is doubtful. Wannstedt said Arturo Freeman is "ready to go" if Edwards doesn't improve.
Edwards and Freeman had the most intense position battle during training camp. When Edwards was named the starter, Freeman made no secret of his disappointment and that he would welcome a trade.
Edwards registered a season-high 10 tackles against Buffalo and had an interception overturned because of a penalty. But Edwards, who was stiff-armed by Bills running back Willis McGahee on a fourth-quarter run, has admitted he needs to play better.
Running back Travis Minor, who practiced, is questionable with a high ankle sprain. Defensive tackle Tim Bowens (back) is probable after seeing his first action Sunday. Matt Bryant will kick again in place of Olindo Mare (calf).
Noteworthy: The Dolphins terminated the contract of defensive end Chidi Ahanotu and signed defensive tackle Josh Shaw to the practice squad. Ahanotu, who was also fined by the team, refused to report on Oct. 13 because he felt he wasn't getting enough playing time. "When Chidi walked out, we viewed that as a decision made in bad faith and we found that action unacceptable," General Manager Rick Spielman said in a statement. "It is wrong for someone to just walk away from a team without any consequences and the action we took reflects that viewpoint." . . . The Dolphins would only say there are tickets still available for Sunday's game. The game must be sold out before 1 p.m. today in order for the game to be shown locally. There are definitely plenty of seats left for the Nov. 7 game against the Cardinals and the Dec. 26 matchup with the Browns. The Dolphins are offering a "4 for $154 family package" that includes four tickets to either game, four Cokes, four hot dogs and a Gameday magazine. . . . Receiver Derrius Thompson, on catching his first touchdown pass in 22 games with the Dolphins: "Anything that happens this year for me is long overdue."
By GREG A. BEDARD
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
Friday, October 22, 2004
DAVIE — Dolphins right tackle John St. Clair doesn't have a completely healthy right ankle, but he's doing everything he can to be in the lineup against the Rams on Sunday.
St. Clair spent his first four seasons with the Rams, who made virtually no effort to re-sign him when he became an unrestricted free agent.
"When you get an opportunity like I did this year, I want to prove to everybody that I'm a good player," St. Clair said. "Playing against your old team, I want to be out there."
St. Clair missed the past two games because of the ankle he sprained against the Jets. He is listed as questionable on the team's injury report but practiced Wednesday.
Rookie Vernon Carey has started in place of St. Clair; however, coach Dave Wannstedt said the veteran would be back in the lineup if he continues to practice.
St. Clair's tour with the Rams was tumultuous at best. All 16 of his appearances as a Ram were starts in 2002. And during his time in St. Louis, the coaches shuffled him among all five line positions and tight end.
"It was an awkward situation playing different positions like that," St. Clair said. "But at the same time they helped me mentally and physically to do what I'm doing now.
"I learned a lot. It's one of the hardest offenses in the NFL, man, and playing all the positions helped me out, especially in free agency."
St. Clair said he's still close with several Rams, including left tackle Orlando Pace and defensive end Tyoka Jackson.
"But I'm on the Dolphins now so I want to win this weekend," St. Clair said. "We need a win."
Injury report: Free safety Antuan Edwards (groin) did not practice and is doubtful. Wannstedt said Arturo Freeman is "ready to go" if Edwards doesn't improve.
Edwards and Freeman had the most intense position battle during training camp. When Edwards was named the starter, Freeman made no secret of his disappointment and that he would welcome a trade.
Edwards registered a season-high 10 tackles against Buffalo and had an interception overturned because of a penalty. But Edwards, who was stiff-armed by Bills running back Willis McGahee on a fourth-quarter run, has admitted he needs to play better.
Running back Travis Minor, who practiced, is questionable with a high ankle sprain. Defensive tackle Tim Bowens (back) is probable after seeing his first action Sunday. Matt Bryant will kick again in place of Olindo Mare (calf).
Noteworthy: The Dolphins terminated the contract of defensive end Chidi Ahanotu and signed defensive tackle Josh Shaw to the practice squad. Ahanotu, who was also fined by the team, refused to report on Oct. 13 because he felt he wasn't getting enough playing time. "When Chidi walked out, we viewed that as a decision made in bad faith and we found that action unacceptable," General Manager Rick Spielman said in a statement. "It is wrong for someone to just walk away from a team without any consequences and the action we took reflects that viewpoint." . . . The Dolphins would only say there are tickets still available for Sunday's game. The game must be sold out before 1 p.m. today in order for the game to be shown locally. There are definitely plenty of seats left for the Nov. 7 game against the Cardinals and the Dec. 26 matchup with the Browns. The Dolphins are offering a "4 for $154 family package" that includes four tickets to either game, four Cokes, four hot dogs and a Gameday magazine. . . . Receiver Derrius Thompson, on catching his first touchdown pass in 22 games with the Dolphins: "Anything that happens this year for me is long overdue."
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