PRO FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : RAMS : Wright Released, Powers Signed

Alvin Wright, a starting defensive tackle for the Rams from 1988 through last Sunday, was released Wednesday to make room for the team’s newest acquisition, defensive end Warren Powers.

Wright, in his seventh NFL season, said he was surprised by the timing of his release.

“The only way I (thought) that I wasn’t going to be around is if I wasn’t starting,” Wright said Wednesday as he prepared to leave Rams Park. “Well, you know, I started. I didn’t relax, but I didn’t think I would get that phone call (Tuesday night), either.”

Wright said Ram Coach Chuck Knox told him it’s possible he could be brought back if he clears waivers and there is room for him. But if he never plays for the Rams or anybody else again, Wright, 31, said he would be satisfied with the career he has had.

“I’m proud that I walked onto the team and made the squad (as a free agent from Jacksonville State in 1986), and hung around for seven years,” Wright said. “I had a long career for a defensive lineman and I hope this is not the end of it. But if it is, then I have no regrets.”

The only thing that bothered him, Wright said, was to leave on a down note. Buffalo’s 40-7 thrashing of the Rams Sunday, “That’s a hard one to go out on.”

Knox said the Rams had to pick up some depth at defensive end since several of the team’s key players at the position are either banged up or on injured reserve.

Powers, 6 feet 6, 270 pounds, was claimed off waivers after the Denver Broncos released him Monday. Powers saw significant time at left defensive end the past two seasons for Denver, but held out for much of the preseason because of a contract dispute and never reclaimed a roster spot.

Knox said No. 3 draft choice Marc Boutte, who has been seeing more action recently at Wright’s left tackle position, will step in as the starter at that spot Sunday against the New England Patriots at Anaheim Stadium.

*

In what cannot be interpreted as good news for 1991 No. 2 draft Roman Phifer, Knox said Wednesday that if Paul Butcher’s strained arch keeps him out of action Sunday, recently acquired Scott Stephen will start at right linebacker.

Phifer has been competing with Butcher for the starting spot, but Knox said the Rams want to see how Stephen, who is about 20 pounds heavier than Phifer, performs in a game.

Tim Lester, the 11th-round fullback the Rams released from their active squad last week, was added to the team’s practice squad Wednesday.