Rams : Misko Waived; Punter Is Hatcher

The Rams put punter John Misko on waivers Wednesday, the day after Russell Erxleben left training camp voluntarily.

That left the job to rookie Dale Hatcher, this year’s third-round draft choice from Clemson.

“I didn’t know (the competition) would end this soon,” Hatcher said. “I feel like now I can just be relaxed and work on my consistency. When Russell and John were here and would hit the ball good, I’d feel like I had to do better.”

Said Misko, after checking out of the team dormitory at Cal State Fullerton: “It was the best three years of my life.”

The move takes pressure off Hatcher going into the first exhibition game Saturday night against the Houston Oilers at Anaheim.

“They (Misko and Erxleben) tried to help me,” Hatcher said. “We were pretty good buddies.”