PRO FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : RAMS : Wilcher, Seven Others Are Released

The Rams released eight players Monday, including nine-year veteran linebacker Mike Wilcher, expendable because of his age and the Rams’ decision to abandon their old four-linebacker system.

“It was time for us to move on at that position,” Coach John Robinson said.

Wilcher, 31, said he wasn’t surprised.

“I hadn’t been playing much, and with the new system, I don’t know how well I was adjusting to it,” he said. “I was waiting for it. I actually thought I was going to be gone last week.”

Wilcher said he would see what interest there is in him around the league. “I think I can fit in somewhere,” he said.

Along with Wilcher, who was a starter since 1985, the Rams released defensive end George Bethune, tackle Theo Adams, safety Mike Babb, receiver Bernard Blackmon, running back Brian Brown, defensive tackle Bill Goldberg and kicker John Hopkins.

The Rams have to cut 10 more to reach today’s 60-player limit.

The on-again, off-again Ram career of long-snapper Mike McDonald was rekindled when the team signed him. McDonald, who wasn’t offered a contract at the end of last season, has been brought back in case center Doug Smith continues to struggle as the kick-snapper, Robinson said. . . . Todd Lyght, the recently signed No. 1 draft pick, practiced for the first time Monday and is scheduled to play in passing situations against the Houston Oilers’ four-wide receiver offense Thursday night at Memphis, Tenn.