PRO FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : RAMS : Year Ends, but the Injuries Continue

The Rams wrapped up their final full-scale practice of the season Friday, and the year ended as it began--with players getting hurt.

When the Rams opened training camp in July at Cal State Fullerton, linebacker Shane Conlan injured his knee on the first day of practice.

It was a sign of what was to come as the Rams experienced injury after injury throughout the season. The team presently has nine players on injured reserve.

In the final practice, linebacker Roman Phifer hurt his shoulder while reaching up to knock down a pass. In addition, defensive tackle Sean Gilbert reported to Rams Park limping.

Gilbert injured his ankle in Thursday’s practice but didn’t experience any real discomfort until the next morning.

Knox said he still expects Phifer, who is the team’s leading tackler, and Gilbert, a Pro Bowl selection, to start against the Chicago Bears on Sunday at Anaheim Stadium.

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The Rams placed guard Keith Loneker, who has an injured knee, on injured reserve to make room for tight end Kelly Blackwell.

The 6-foot-1, 255-pound Blackwell will not be in uniform for Sunday’s game, but has been signed in preparation for next season because tight ends Pat Carter and Travis McNeal will be free agents.

Blackwell signed with the Bears as a free agent a year ago and played in 16 games. He was traded to Dallas last summer, played in two games and was released.

The Rams also put wide receiver Fred Montgomery through a tryout. Montgomery, brother of the Raiders’ Tyrone Montgomery and former Philadelphia running back Wilbert Montgomery, had been on Kansas City’s practice squad before being released. The team made no immediate move to sign him.