PRO FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : RAMS : Slater Says He Will Return in ’94

Tackle Jackie Slater said Monday that he intends to return for a 19th season in the NFL, which might be a problem for the Rams,

Do they want him to return? Can they afford to re-sign Slater, who is earning $1.1 million this season, under the anticipated 1994 salary cap restrictions? Would it be a public relations disaster if they suggested that Slater take a pay cut? Would they prefer to move on with Darryl Ashmore, 24, as their starting right tackle? Do they allow Slater, a future Hall of Famer, to finish his career elsewhere?

“If Jackie wants to return and the coach wants him back, I’m sure we’ll enter into some kind of contractual agreement for next season,” said John Shaw, Ram executive vice president.

Slater, who traditionally waits until the end of the season before announcing his intentions, said he has had a lot of time to think while being sidelined because of a shoulder injury.

“I am not retiring,” Slater said. “I’m planning on playing some more football. I feel like I’m still capable of doing it and prior to my being injured I was doing it as well as a lot of people who are a whole lot younger.”

Slater, 39, has played in 246 NFL games, a record for offensive linemen, but he will end this season on injured reserve after sitting out all but eight plays in the last six games because of a torn shoulder muscle.

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Keith Loneker, who replaced Tom Newberry at left guard after Newberry suffered a knee injury, will sit out this week’s game after suffering a similar injury. Jeff Pahukoa is expected to start in Loneker’s place.