Strong Safety Stewart Ends Holdout, Signs With Rams

The Rams, having seen their secondary decimated by injuries in the last week, moved to shore up their defenses at the negotiating table.

Strong safety Michael Stewart, who ranked third on the team in tackles last season with 72, agreed to a two-year contract Sunday. Details of the deal, which ended a 40-day holdout, were not disclosed.

As much as they need the help, the Rams are expected to resist the temptation to ask Stewart to play cornerback. Cornerbacks Jerry Gray and Alfred Jackson were involved in a collision during Friday night’s loss at Washington. Gray underwent arthroscopic knee surgery Saturday and Jackson has a serious groin injury. Both probably will be sidelined for at least a month and Gray could be out six weeks.

Cornerback Darryl Henley reinjured his hip during practice last week and could miss as much as half the season. That leaves the Rams with veteran Bobby Humphery and rookie Latin Berry at the corners.

Stewart’s return to the team marked the end of a second holdout in two days. Linebacker Kevin Greene, who had 16 1/2 sacks in each of the past two seasons, signed Saturday.

Thirteen Rams are injured and two--defensive tackle Doug Reed and tight end Damone Johnson--are still holding out.

Stewart could not be reached for comment.