PRO FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : RAMS : Love to Miss at Least Four Weeks

Guard Duval Love, who strained ligaments in his left knee Wednesday, will miss at least four weeks and probably five, Ram Coach John Robinson said.

After examining the knee Thursday, the Rams found no major problems, but the second-degree strain may sideline Love for the regular-season opener Sept. 1 against the Phoenix Cardinals at Anaheim Stadium. Bern Brostek and Joe Milinichik are the Rams’ only remaining veteran guards.

Love’s injury, plus the continued holdouts of center Tom Newberry and tackles Irv Pankey and Robert Cox and the continued imprisonment of tackle Gerald Perry, leaves the Rams’ offensive line thin.

“We couldn’t afford to lose anybody else,” Robinson said. “I’m hopeful we will begin to get people in within the next period of time.”

Robinson said the Rams have spoken with Perry recently, and they will have a better idea by this weekend when he might arrive at camp.

The Rams have been tinkering with their defensive lineup. With Fred Strickland still a holdout, Brett Faryniarz is getting a look at left linebacker. Also, Plan B signee Karl Wilson is playing some with the first team at left defensive end, ahead of Bill Hawkins. Faryniarz is still battling rookie Roman Phifer for the right-side starting spot but is seeing a lot of action in place of Mike Wilcher on the left side.

Tailbacks Marcus Dupree and Cleveland Gary, who have missed several days of practice because of strained leg muscles, returned to limited contact work Thursday. Rookie offensive lineman Jeff Pahukoa sprained his left ankle and is listed as day to day.