Collins and Sievers Taken From Rams

The Rams lost two more unprotected players on Friday--veteran linebacker Jim Collins to the San Diego Chargers and tight end Eric Sievers to the New England Patriots.

Collins, 30, appeared in four games last season after spending the first 12 weeks on injured reserve with a knee injury. Once perhaps the team’s top defensive player, Collins had been slowed in recent years by serious injuries. He missed the entire 1986 season with a neck injury and underwent arthroscopic surgery last summer to repair a damaged right knee.

Collins has no cartilage in the knee, but played well after returning to the lineup late last season. His best season was 1985, when he led the Rams in tackles with 140 and was named to the Pro Bowl.

The Rams claimed Sievers, 29, on waivers from the Chargers last December and had plans for him as a blocking tight end this season. Sievers appeared on special teams in the Rams’ season-ending victory over the San Francisco 49ers.

The Rams have lost 12 of the 19 players they left unprotected on Feb. 1, when the National Football League introduced a limited form of free agency.