PRO FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : RAMS : Former Charger Tight End to Get Tryout

The Rams were awaiting the arrival of former Charger tight end Derrick Walker Sunday night for a tryout, but unless Walker puts on a show, the team is expected to sign former Washington tight end Ron Middleton today.

If the Rams sign Middleton, tight end Travis McNeal, who received permission Sunday to attend to an illness in his family, is considered the logical choice to be released.

Middleton (6-2, 262) worked primarily as a blocking tight end while with Washington, and will fill the void left by Pat Carter’s defection during the off-season to Houston.

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Tight end Rickey Brady, wide receiver Jermaine Ross, offensive tackle Ron Edwards and defensive lineman Kevin Patrick are expected to be signed this week to the Rams’ practice squad.

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Starting defensive tackle Jimmie Jones received permission to miss Sunday’s practice to attend to personal business. Coach Chuck Knox said he expects Jones to return today.

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A year ago Keith Loneker was just thrilled to still be on the roster at the final cut. Sunday, he not only remained on the roster, but worked as the team’s starting left guard.

“I was just going through the motions early on in camp,” Loneker said. “Then old-man (Jackie) Slater pulled me aside, sat me down and told me I was joking around too much.

“If he doesn’t talk to me like that, I’m probably not sitting here today.”

Darryl Ashmore worked as starting right tackle in place of Slater, but Knox said, “that isn’t etched in stone at this point.”

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After Sunday’s cuts, eight of the 23 players drafted in 1992-93 remain with the team.

Seven of the 10 drafted players selected in 1994 made the 53-man roster, but despite the team’s lowly finish the past four years, only second-round pick wide receiver Isaac Bruce appears to have a chance to start on opening day.