PRO FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : RAMS : McGee to Start for Packers Against His Former Team
Buford McGee, the Rams’ starting fullback for much of the past four seasons, has risen to the top of the Green Bay Packers’ depth chart at that position and will start Saturday night in the exhibition game at Anaheim Stadium.
The Rams’ most valuable player in 1990 when he averaged 5.3 yards per carry and caught 47 passes for 388 yards and four touchdowns, McGee’s role in the offense was reduced drastically last season, when he rushed only 19 times and caught 20 passes. The Rams released him on May 18, and the Packers signed him as a free agent two weeks later.
“Buford McGee is doing good, he really is,” said Coach Mike Holmgren, who saw plenty of him while working as offensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers. “He’s the veteran that we needed to have with this young ballclub. He came into camp in great shape, and we’re very, very pleased with what he’s done.”
McGee, 32, is ahead of three other fullbacks, including fifth-round draft choice Dexter McNabb and two other first-year players. Holmgren said McGee has a good chance of opening the season as the starting fullback.
“It’s a real competitive situation,” the Packer coach said, “but I think if he continues the way he’s going, I would suspect he has a good shot.”
The Rams’ first-round pick, Sean Gilbert, who hasn’t practiced since spraining his ankle in a scrimmage against the San Diego Chargers on Aug. 1, made his first appearance in pads at Rams Park.
“He got some work in,” said Coach Chuck Knox, who added that he isn’t sure if Gilbert will be ready to play against the Packers. “We’ll see how (the ankle) reacts to the work he got today and take it on a day-to-day basis.”
Tackle Gerald Perry, who had a swollen knee, also returned to practice. . . . Linebacker Kevin Greene felt a twinge in his groin and left practice early.
Holmgren said the Packer offense will be based on the system he helped develop in San Francisco. The 49ers rated no lower than third in the league during his three years as offensive coordinator.
“We’ve changed a few things, but basically that’s where we started,” he said. “Our personnel is not the same as we had in San Francisco, so we have to be flexible. But there’s a lot of flexibility built into the system.”
Guard Tony Mandarich, who suffered a concussion in the Packers’ first exhibition, also has a thyroid problem and will not make the trip to Anaheim.
“He’s on some medication that’s really helping,” Holmgren said. “He’s on the mend, but he has to get his weight and strength back up. He’s not ready to play football.”