PRO FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : RAMS : Delpino’s Holdout Is Over, Fruitless

Running back Robert Delpino joined his teammates for the afternoon practice, ending his five-day holdout without a new contract or a fixed position in the new offense.

“One more year I’ve got to prove myself again, that’s fine,” Delpino said. “And then after that, I hope it’s all over, said and done. But it might not be, I might do it again next year.

“Robert Delpino will always have to prove himself to somebody. That’s what my career is all about--proving myself. And I think that gives me an edge. They don’t give me a chance to relax. You’re always looking over your shoulder no matter what, whether it’s third string, second string or first string.”

Delpino was seeking to improve on his 1992 salary of $325,000 but reported to camp with only with an assurance from the Rams that talks to extend his contract beyond this season will take place soon.

Delpino led the team with 688 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns, and also had 617 receiving yards.

“Aside from all the things that happened to the team on the field, I feel I at least deserve to be considered in contention,” Delpino said.

Cornerback Todd Lyght, who injured a hamstring Saturday, was held out of practice and could miss a week or more. . . . Tackle Jackie Slater was excused from working out because of flu. . . . Defensive lineman Mike Piel hurt a knee and is scheduled to have it examined today. . . . The Rams waived their 11th-round pick, wide receiver Brian Thomas, the first 1992 draftee to be released.