Rams : Hatcher May Be Out 8 Weeks
Punter Dale Hatcher hadn’t taken his first snap in training camp Friday morning when his left knee popped during a routine agility drill.
Just an old college injury, Hatcher said, nothing much to worry about.
Oh?
Saturday, the Rams were definitely worried after Hatcher underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair cartilage damage in the knee. He is expected to be out about eight weeks, which takes him out of the Sept. 4 opener against the Green Bay Packers, maybe longer.
“We’ll have to go look for a punter,” Coach John Robinson said.
After a poor second season in 1986, Hatcher rebounded strongly last year with a 35.6-yard net punting average, second best in the National Football League.
The Saturday news could have been worse. Robert Cox, who is replacing holdout Tom Newberry at left guard, sprained his left knee and ankle when he fell over teammate Irv Pankey in morning practice.
The Rams first feared Cox might be lost from 4 to 6 weeks but later revised the estimate to a week to 10 days.
Still, it was the last thing Robinson needed to hear, with Newberry apparently digging in for a lengthy training camp holdout.
Mike Schad, a first-round pick over the second-round Newberry in 1986, takes over left guard in the absence of Newberry and Cox.
In other words, the Rams are walking a thin line. Guard Jon Shields left camp this week, and tackle Jeff Walker is injured, as are centers David Diaz-Enfante and Navy Tuiasosopo.
Ram Notes
Cornerback Mickey Sutton signed a contract and reported to Saturday’s practice, leaving as holdouts left guard Tom Newberry, tight end Grey Baty and the united defensive front of Shawn Miller, Greg Meisner and Doug Reed. . . . Until the Rams find a replacement for Dale Hatcher, the new punter is free agent Bryan Myers. . . . Rookie fullback Robert Delpino (fifth round, Missouri) is turning some heads at Fullerton. “He hit Mike Wilcher (Friday), and I looked up and Wilcher’s legs were straight up in the air,” Coach John Robinson said. . . . There are some fierce ongoing battles for roster spots involving several veteran and/or big-name Rams, including wide receiver Michael Young, linebacker Carl Ekern and safety Nolan Cromwell. “There are an awful lot of people fighting for jobs,” Robinson said. “I hope they know.”
