PRO FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : RAMS : Chandler Bemoans Technical Problems

Backup quarterback Chris Chandler had some problems with the audiblizer, the new helmet headset that links the quarterback to the coaches, during the Rams’ 28-10 exhibition loss to the New England Patriots on Saturday night.

Chandler’s headset went dead on one series, leaving him stranded because he hasn’t learned the coaches’ hand signals used to send in plays.

“We’re still getting used to that voice in our helmets,” Chandler said. “ Chris (Miller) and I haven’t learned the signal system because we didn’t think we needed to. When it (the headset) went dead on me, there was a second of panic.”

Microphones on the headsets are live until 15 seconds are left on the play clock, allowing coaches to radio in plays, which “speeds up the game,” Chandler said.

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The Rams’ search for a defensive end continued when they worked out Jeff Bryant, a free agent who played for Coach Chuck Knox in Seattle. Bringing in Bryant indicates the team’s waning interest in four-time Pro Bowl defensive end Charles Mann, who worked out Tuesday.

The Rams have yet to make a contract offer to Mann, 33, an 11-year veteran who has undergone nine knee operations, including two arthroscopic surgeries in the last year. Mann also wants to be an every-down player, but the Rams want to use him strictly as a pass rusher.

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Miller said he expects the first-team will get nearly three quarters of work in Saturday night’s exhibition game against the Raiders. . . . Starting tight end Troy Drayton, who has yet to catch a pass in the exhibitions, made two tough catches in practice Wednesday. . . . Defensive tackle Sean Gilbert, who has a sore shoulder, was given the day off by Knox. Gilbert spent it jogging in place on the sidelines while the team worked out. . . . Tailback Cleveland Gary (hamstring) had limited work in practice. . . . Starting safety Deral Boykin, who suffered mild head and neck injuries in a car accident this week, returned to practice after two days off. Tailback David Lang (knee, hamstring) also practiced for the first time in two days.