PRO FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : RAMS : Stradford, Stephen Added to Roster

The Rams added running back Troy Stradford and linebacker Scott Stephen, both claimed off the waiver wire, to their active roster. Coach Chuck Knox said he will wait until today to announce how the Rams will make room for the two on the 47-man roster.

Stradford, a 5-foot-9, 194-pound back, played for the Kansas City Chiefs last season. He missed the first six weeks because of a broken forearm and finished with one carry and nine receptions. But Stradford returned 22 punts and 14 kickoffs and could return kicks for the Rams on Sunday at Buffalo, Knox said.

Stephen, 6-2 and 248, started every game for the Green Bay Packers at right outside linebacker last season. Knox said the Rams, who had been carrying only five linebackers, plan to use Stephen on special teams.

The Rams appear set to put both of their rookie offensive linemen, tackle Darryl Ashmore (knee) and guard Shawn Harper (knee), on the injured-reserve list, which would open two spots.

With both of the team’s two late signees, strong safety Michael Stewart and rookie cornerback Steve Israel, expected to be activated from their roster exemptions later this week, the Rams have to open two more roster spots.

Knox said that running backs Cleveland Gary and Robert Delpino will start in a two-back set. Knox had said the team will primarily use a one-back offense this season.

The Rams signed four players they recently released to their practice squad: cornerback Courtney Griffin, linebacker Brian Townsend, an 11th-round pick this year, linebacker Tom Homco and center Kelvin Harris, a 12th-round pick this year.

Knox said the team expects to add a fifth player to the squad later this week.