PRO FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : RAMS : Dupree Appears Headed for Injured Reserve Today
The Rams plan to place tailback Marcus Dupree, who has a sore left toe, on injured reserve today if they cannot obtain a kick returner on the waiver wire.
If the Rams can’t get a kick returner, they would need to keep tailback David Lang on the active roster to return kicks, forcing Dupree to the sidelines for at least the first four weeks of the regular season.
In that scenario, the Rams probably would re-sign veteran wide receiver Stacey Bailey, who was released Monday, bringing their wide receiver corps to four.
“Coach (John) Robinson told me I won’t go on (injured reserve) if they can pick somebody up,” Dupree said Monday. “I think I can play the second week of the season, and if it were up to me, I’d give it a shot this week. But it’s up to the coach.”
If the Rams can acquire a kick returner from the list of recent cuts, Dupree would stay on the active roster and prepare to play in Week 2 against the New York Giants, and Lang would probably be placed on injured reserve with a sore hamstring.
Robinson said releasing cornerback Latin Berry, a 1990 third-round pick who was converted from running back, was one of the most difficult cuts to make.
“Although we really like his potential, we just didn’t feel he was ready at this point,” Robinson said. “I told him we would be interested in pursuing a contract with him in the future. I think he should play in the World League this next year. (He) needs to play in football games.”
Another second-year player released was wide receiver Derrick Faison, a sensation in last year’s training camp who failed to meet expectations.
“Last year we kept him because of his potential,” Robinson said. “I think we expected and hoped that he would make more progress this year.”
The decision to waive safety Alfred Jackson means cornerback Jerry Gray will be the team’s only back-up free safety behind starter Pat Terrell. If, as expected, rookie cornerback Robert Bailey (broken left hand) is placed on injured reserve, the Rams still will have five cornerbacks and only three safeties.
Gray has said he always felt free safety was his most natural position. He was temporarily moved there during the 1990 preseason before being moved back to corner. In Monday’s practice, Gray was running with the second team at free safety.
The Rams will take their normal Tuesday off today, then begin serious preparation on Wednesday for Sunday’s opener against the Phoenix Cardinals at Anaheim Stadium. . . . The Rams, who put in a claim for Dexter Manley when he was available last season, apparently are not interested in the defensive end who was released by the Cardinals Monday. . . . Tackle Neal Fort, offensive lineman Jeff Pahukoa, wide receiver Jimmy Raye and linebacker Terry Crews are expected to be signed today to the Rams’ developmental squad.