Ram Camp : LeRoy Irvin Is Lost for Two Weeks After Tearing a Hamstring
Right cornerback LeRoy Irvin of the Rams tore a hamstring in practice Thursday and will be lost for about two weeks, Coach John Robinson said.
That leaves the Rams without seven starters, including five on defense, for Saturday night’s 40th Times Charity game against the Houston Oilers at Anaheim Stadium.
Eric Dickerson is holding out, nose tackle Greg Meisner is unsigned, left end Jack Youngblood is rehabilitating his back injury on his own, linebacker Carl Ekern has a sore Achilles’ tendon, linebacker George Andrews is not fully recovered from last year’s knee surgery, and wide receiver Ron Brown had arthroscopic knee surgery three weeks ago.
Left cornerback Gary Green has missed most practices with a sore thigh muscle this week but is expected to play briefly before rookie Jerry Gray takes over.
Gray, the Rams’ first-round draft choice from Texas, reported only a week ago but will get a lot of playing time, Robinson said.
Irvin was covering wide receiver George Farmer on a long pass from Scott Tinsley in a defensive drill. He was injured as both dived for the ball, Farmer making a spectacular catch.
Irvin, a six-year veteran, will be replaced by David Croudip Saturday.
Three other players left practice early. Tight end Tony Hunter sprained his right ankle, offensive tackle Bill Bain had a sore ankle, and running back A.J. Jones suffered from a lingering virus ailment. All are expected to play Saturday.
Ram Notes The Ram Booster Club gave a $15,000 check to the American Cancer Society at its annual kickoff luncheon for the team and 1,200 fans Thursday. The check, presented in the name of the late Ram cornerback, Kirk Collins, represented proceeds from the club’s golf and tennis tournaments. . . . The Rams have 86 players on the roster, but a few cuts are due over the weekend. The first official cut is to 60 by Aug. 20. . . . The Oilers, hit hard by injuries and holdouts, are expected to dress only about 65 players for Saturday’s game.