PRO FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : RAMS : Cox Will Be Eased Into Practicing

Receiver Aaron Cox sat out his second and third consecutive practices Friday, and Coach John Robinson said it was to protect Cox from the hamstring problems he has had throughout his pro career.

“Most hamstring injuries come in the first 10 days (or) first few weeks (of camp),” Robinson said. “We think if we can get him through that, we might have some long-term success.”

Receiver Henry Ellard, who had some hamstring problems in last year’s training camp, missed the morning workout but returned in the afternoon.

Bob Woolf, agent for the team’s unsigned No. 1 draft choice, Todd Lyght, predicted that there would be no new contract talks until Monday. The sides are apart as much as $700,000 per season.

Woolf said talks are ongoing with Denver about his client Mike Croel, taken one pick higher than Lyght. Croel’s deal could set the standard for Lyght’s. “With Denver, we have the pace of a normal negotiation,” Woolf said. “With the Rams, we have no pace at all.”

Center Doug Smith had to be carried off the field after suffering an injured right leg Friday morning, but Robinson said that Smith might resume practice as soon as Monday. . . . Robinson said the Rams would consider “any and every reasonable offer” for unsigned defensive end Doug Reed in a trade. . . . The Rams are considering trying tailback Cleveland Gary at fullback, possibly pairing him with Marcus Dupree. . . . The team, except for a handful of veterans, is scheduled to travel to the Chargers’ training camp in San Diego this afternoon for a scrimmage.