PRO FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : RAMS : Stewart in Camp, but Not to Play

Safety Michael Stewart came to the Rams’ training camp as a spectator, saying he is optimistic that his nine-day contract impasse will end soon.

Stewart, a six-year veteran, and second-round draft choice Steve Israel, a cornerback from Pittsburgh, are the Rams’ only holdouts.

“I can’t see a veteran sitting out forever,” Stewart said. “It’s not a plan of how far I plan to take it. I’m in shape. I just hope it can be settled quick.

“Things have been kind of stagnant because a recent offer (by the Rams) wasn’t accepted.”

The two holdouts, along with the hamstring injuries to cornerbacks Todd Lyght and Darryl Henley, have left the Rams thin in the defensive backfield. Both injured players could miss up to a week. “As far as numbers go, we’re OK,” Coach Chuck Knox said. “There’s no reason to take a chance (with Lyght and Henley).”

Asked if Stewart’s job at safety is in jeopardy, Knox said: “He’s not here to compete for it. Every day you miss, it hurts you.”

Robert Delpino, who ended his five-day holdout Sunday night, has been practicing at both tailback and fullback. Delpino won the starting tailback job from Cleveland Gary last season, gaining a combined 1,305 yards rushing and receiving, after three seasons at fullback.

Tailback Marcus Dupree missed his second day of practice because of a staph infection in his left big toe, and could be out until Monday, meaning he will likely miss the Rams’ scrimmage against the Chargers Saturday at UC San Diego.