Current status of former Rams still playing in NFL

Interesting article. I did not draw too many conclusions, other than that several former Rams Olinemen seem to be doing all right for their current teams.

[www.stltoday.com]

By Jim Thomas St. Louis Post-Dispatch Nov 2, 2016 (0)

A total of 30 former St. Louis Rams have been on NFL regular-season rosters this season. Nineteen have started at least one game, a couple are playing at Pro Bowl levels, and one _ Josh Brown _ has been embroiled in controversy. As part of our weekly series of NFL updates with a local twist, a look at how all 30 are doing this season:

MARCUS ROBERSON, Buffalo CB

Played in 25 games with 6 starts for St. Louis Rams in 2014-15, but didn't survive first training camp in Los Angeles. Signed to Bills' practice squad following Rams release, and was promoted to active roster Week 8. Participated in 2 plays on special teams vs. New England.

LEGER DOUZABLE, Buffalo DT

Didn't look like much early in career when he played in 12 games with 1 start for 2009 Rams, but Douzable has had some longevity as an interior rotation player with run-stuffing ability. Played in all 8 games with 2 starts for Bills this season, has 20 tackles, 1 1/2 sacks, 2 tackles for loss, and 7 QB hits.

RICHIE INCOGNITO, Buffalo OG

Rams GM Charley Armey took some heat internally when he expended a third-round pick in 2005 on Richard Dominick Incognito. But despite his share of controversy and fines, and his reputation as one of league's "dirtiest" players, Incognito is a two-time Pro Bowler and anchors Buffalo's offensive line at left guard.

GREG SALAS, Buffalo WR

In his first start since 2014, scored his first NFL touchdown on a 71-yard grab in Week 2 vs. New York Jets. Salas had 4 catches for 89 yards in that game, but hasn't played since. He was placed on injured reserve with a groin injury. A fourth-round pick in 2011, the last draft class for coach Steve Spagnuolo and general manager Billy Devaney.

MIKE REMMERS, Carolina OT

Remmers has started 28 games for Carolina since being signed off Rams practice squad in October 2014. Most of those starts have been at right tackle, but he's started last 4 games at left tackle in place of Michael Oher (concussion). Panthers O-line has yielded only 4 sacks total in those 4 games, after allowing 12 in first 3 games.

JOHN GRECO, Cleveland OG

Former Rams third-round draft pick, hardly played in 3 seasons in St. Louis, then traded to Browns in 2011 for conditional seventh-round pick. In his fifth season as primary starter in Cleveland, he's at 62 starts and counting. Normally at right guard, but has started twice at center this year due to Cameron Erving injury (bruised lungs).

AUSTIN DAVIS, Denver QB

A long way removed from 2014, when he had 8 starts and 2 games with 300-plus yards passing for Rams. Signed by Broncos on Sept. 3 this season after being waived by Cleveland. A pregame inactive as third QB in 7 games. Dressed as backup to Paxton Lynch in Game 5, when Trevor Siemian was out with shoulder injury, but did not play.

DARIAN STEWART, Denver S

Had trouble staying healthy for Jeff Fisher in St. Louis, now a Super Bowl champion in second year starting as free safety for Broncos. Got fourth career interception in Week 8 vs. San Diego, picking off Philip Rivers on first series of second half to set up Denver TD. For season, has 33 tackles, 2 QB hits, 1 tackle for loss, and 1 pass breakup.

JARED COOK, Green Bay TE

Released after 3 seasons in St. Louis, Cook is off to a disappointing start in Green Bay. Was in for 59 percent of Packers offensive snaps in first 2 games, then suffered high-ankle sprain in second quarter of Week 3 game vs. Detroit. Hasn't played since, missing 4 games. For season, has just 6 catches for 53 yards on 11 targets

KENDALL LANGFORD, Indianapolis DE

Released by Rams after 2014 season. Picked up by Indy, where he was big success in 2015 with career-high 7 sacks. Missed all of 2016 preseason with knee injury. Started first 7 games with 11 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 fumble recovery. But knee still troublesome. Sat out Week 8 game vs. Chiefs, snapping string of 135 straight games played, longest ironman streak among NFL defensive linemen.

NICK FOLES, Kansas City QB

Backup to Alex Smith did not play in Chiefs first 6 games. But replaced a shaken up Smith twice in Game 7 vs. Indianapolis, leading team to 30-14 victory. In first regular-season action since Dec. 6, 2015 start for Rams against Arizona, Foles completed 16 of 22 for 223 yards and two touchdowns vs. Colts.

ISAIAH PEAD, Miami RB

Released by Dolphins on Oct. 11, Pead remains a street free agent and could be done as an NFL player. Appeared in Games 3-5 for Miami, with 8 carries for 22 yards and 1 catch for 6 yards. A second-round pick by Rams in 2012, the first Jeff Fisher-Les Snead draft, Pead's career totals include only 27 carries for 100 yards.

SAM BRADFORD, Minnesota QB

After 4 efficient, almost magical victories as Vikings starter, reality has hit Bradford _ and hit hard. In losses to Philadelphia and Chicago, Bradford has been sacked a total of 11 times while absorbing 22 additional QB hits. His season numbers remain strong: 66.5 completion percentage, 1,442 yards passing, 8 TDs, and just 1 INT. Bradford ranks eighth in NFL passer rating (98.2) but won't last long without better blocking.

SHAUN HILL, Minnesota QB

Started season opener vs. Tennessee, then stepped aside for Sam Bradford. Completed 18 of 33 (54.5 %) for 236 yards, with no TDs or INTs, and 77.3 passer rating in victory vs. Titans. Started 8 games for Rams in 2014, after Bradford was lost for year with preseason knee injury. In second season with Vikings.

DANNY AMENDOLA, New England WR

In his fourth season with Patriots, Amendola still is making noise on a team loaded with options in the receiving game. This season: 16 catches for 189 yards and 3 TDs on just 20 targets; 9 punt returns for 61 yards; and 3 kickoff returns for 97 yards, including 73-yarder Week 8 vs. Buffalo. Has played 30 percent of Patriots offensive snap.

CHRIS LONG, New England DE


Found an instant home with Patriots, where he's started 7 of 8 games and is playing 70.5 percent of Patriots defensive snaps. Long has 21 tackles at midseason, more than he had all of last season for Rams. Has only 1 sack, but has been otherwise active with 5 quarterback hits, 4 tackles for loss, 2 pass breakups, and a fumble recovery.

NICK FAIRLEY, New Orleans DT

Started all 7 games for Saints after being third defensive tackle in Rams rotation in 2015. Fairley has provided inside pass rush with 3 1/2 sacks and 11 QB hits. For the season, has 25 tackles, including 3 tackles for loss. Committed costly roughing penalty in Week 7 loss to Kansas City that helped Chiefs ice game.

JAMES LAURINAITIS, New Orleans LB

Began season starting first 3 games and playing every defensive snap. But after quad injury in Game 3, sat out following week vs. San Diego, ending streak of 115 consecutive starts. Healthy after bye week, but got benched. Hasn't played on defense past 3 games, seeing action only on handful of special teams plays past 2 games. Season totals: 24 tackles, 1 fumble recovery, 1 pass breakup.

RYAN FITZPATRICK, NY Jets QB

New life for Fitz. Former Rams seventh-round pick was benched after interception-plagued start of season but regained job when replacement Geno Smith suffered knee injury in first start. Fitzpatrick led Jets to comeback victory over Baltimore in that Week 7 game, then engineered another comeback win in Week 8 vs. Cleveland.

JOSH BROWN, NY Giants K

Sat out Week 1 due to one-game NFL suspension, stemming from domestic violence arrest. Kicked in next 5 games, then put on commissioner's exempt list and subsequently released when new information emerged on domestic abuse. His 14-year NFL career, which included 4 seasons in St. Louis (2008-11), may be over.

JANORIS JENKINS, NY Giants CB

Scored his seventh career TD on 65-yard return of blocked field goal in Week 2 against New Orleans. Has played well on defense after signing 5-year, $62.5 million free-agent contract. For season has 28 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 10 pass breakups. Both INTs came against Aaron Rodgers of Green Bay. Had 3 breakups vs. Rams in London.

DAREN BATES, Oakland LB

Rams special teams captain in 2015 has been on field for 203 special teams plays already _ or 25 a game _ with Raiders. Has one special teams tackle. Bates also has 2 tackles on defense in 25 plays. All but two of those defensive snaps came in Week 4 vs. Baltimore, when injuries sidelined LBs Malcolm Smith and Ben Heeney.

DONNIE JONES, Philadelphia P

Rams punter from 2007-11, now in fourth season in Philly and still getting it done. Averaging 45.2 yard per punt, with net of 39.5. Bears Eddie Royal scored on 65-yard return in Week 2, otherwise only 8 Jones punts have been returned for 44 yards (5.5 yards per return). Eleven of his 33 punts dropped inside 20, with only 4 touchbacks.

RODNEY MCLEOD, Philadelphia S

After 3 seasons as starter in St. Louis is on his way to career year in Philly. Leads all NFL safeties in interceptions (3); had end zone INTs against both Ben Roethlisberger of Pittsburgh and former Rams (and Eagles) teammate Sam Bradford. Leads Eagles with 62 tackles, including career-high 17 stops in Week 6 vs. Washington. Also has sack, forced fumble, and 4 pass breakups.

DARYL RICHARDSON, Pittsburgh RB

Released after 3 games, clearing roster spot for Le'Veon Bell's return from suspension. Had 2 carries for 7 yards, appearing in just 5 plays on offense and 7 on special teams. Richardson, who gained 475 yards as Rams rookie in 2012, was signed to Steelers practice squad Oct. 3.

JOE BARKSDALE, San Diego OT

The guitar-playing right tackle was named Chargers offensive lineman of the year in 2015. Barksdale missed Week 5 contest vs. Raiders with foot injury, ending string of 39 consecutive starts and 52 consecutive games played. Has not been called for a holding penalty this season, although he's had 3 false starts and 2 illegal formation flags.

KELLEN CLEMENS, San Diego QB

Backup to Philip Rivers in his third season with Chargers; has thrown only 1 pass (incomplete) appearing in 2 series' worth of mop-up duty in 38-14 Week 2 romp over Jacksonville. Has taken over holder duties on field goals and extra points in last 3 games after Drew Kaser botched field goal snap Oct. 9 vs. Raiders.

KOREY TOOMER, San Diego LB

After bouncing around to Seattle, Dallas, Oakland, and St. Louis _ he appeared in 7 games for Rams in 2014 _ Toomer's finally getting chance at extended playing time on defense. Signed by Chargers Sept. 28 following season-ending torn Achilles by LB Manti Te'o, he's played inside LB last 4 games including 2 starts. Stats included 17 tackles, 2 forced fumbles.

RAY RAY ARMSTRONG, San Francisco LB

The player known as the "Boom King" was playing well when he suffered a season-ending pectoral injury in Game 2 against Carolina. Had an interception and 2 pass breakups in opener against Rams.

TY NSEKHE, Washington OT

Backup swing tackle has seen action on offense in 6 of 8 games, sometimes as extra blocker. Played 36 snaps in Week 3 vs. New York Giants and 26 snaps in Week 5 vs. Baltimore. All told has been in for 100 plays on offense; also sees special teams duty.