Dickerson Takes It Easy--and Rests a Tight Hamstring

Eric Dickerson missed most of Friday’s practice because of a tight hamstring in his right leg, and Ram Coach John Robinson said that “if he’s not 100%,” Dickerson won’t play against the Raiders Monday night.

Robinson added: “He couldn’t do anything, so I’m a little worried. He ran three plays at about half-speed.”

Then Dickerson removed his shoulder pads and helmet, and watched the rest of the practice.

When reporters asked Dickerson about the hamstring afterward, he walked away, saying: “I’m fine. I’m fine.”

Robinson said: “(Team trainers) don’t believe it’s a torn muscle. It’s just extremely tight in there. He’s had that kind of stuff before, and it’s gone away. Once it loosens up, he’s all right. He insists that he’ll play.”

Guard Dennis Harrah also missed the practice because of a strained calf muscle he has had for two weeks and may be held out of Monday night’s game.

Ram Notes The Rams will retire defensive end Jack Youngblood’s jersey at halftime of Monday night’s game against the Raiders at Anaheim Stadium. That’s not quite the same as retiring a player’s number, which the league no longer allows. But don’t look for anybody else to be wearing No. 85 for a while. . . . The Rams’ special teams rank first in punt returns, kickoff returns and punt coverage, and second in kickoff coverage. The Raiders are second in the league overall, ranking 3rd, 17th, 1st and 9th, in that order. . . . The Rams’ injured players, including Eric Dickerson and Dennis Harrah, are officially listed as probable for Monday’s game. Others hurting include free safety Johnnie Johnson (hamstring), Mike Guman (back) and tight end James McDonald (ankle).