PRO FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : RAMS : 2 Defensive Linemen Signed; Hawkins on Injured Reserve
The Rams partially filled their need for defensive linemen, signing rookie tackle David Rocker and end Tom Gibson, who played the last two seasons with the Cleveland Browns.
To make room, the team announced the release of tackle Chris Pike, and they put end Bill Hawkins on injured reserve to rest his sore back. Rocker, Houston’s fourth-round draft choice this year, was on the Oilers’ practice squad until the Rams signed him.
With Alvin Wright nursing a sore shoulder and Karl Wilson a sore knee, the 6-foot-4, 280-pound Rocker could step into the Rams’ rotation at tackle this Sunday against the Lions in Detroit, one week after Mike Charles did the same in last Sunday’s loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
“He’s a young player, that’s an advantage,” Coach John Robinson said about Rocker. “He’s hopefully a guy who can maybe catch on and (become) a permanent member (of the team).”
Hawkins’ placement on injured reserve probably means the former No. 1 pick will not be activated again this season.
The Rams also are expected to add defensive tackle Vance Hammond to their practice squad later this week.
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