St. Louis Rams team report: Danny Amendola takes part in team work
Quarterback Sam Bradford's favorite target, wide receiver Danny Amendola, took part in 11-on-11 or "team" work Thursday for the first time since suffering a dislocated left elbow in the Rams' season opener against Philadelphia.
"Missed two weeks and I'm ready to get back out there this week,"
Amendola said.
But as much as the Rams could use Amendola, who is one of the game's most effective third-down receivers, it's probably not going to happen this week. Although his work Thursday was encouraging, not all of the strength has returned to the arm and the elbow area.
Realistically, the Rams are hoping to have Amendola back in the lineup on Oct. 16 in Green Bay following their Oct. 9 bye week.
In the meantime, Austin Pettis is expected to perform Amendola's slot receiver and punt return duties. Pettis, a third-round draft pick in April, made his NFL debut last week vs. Baltimore after being a designated pre-game inactive in Weeks 1 and 2. Pettis didn't get a ton of action, catching two passes for eight yards and making a fair catch on a punt, but the game didn't seem to big for him and he could get more looks this week.
Notes: Don't blame the Rams' defensive woes on end Chris Long. The No. 2 overall pick in 2008 is off to his best start yet in the NFL with three sacks in three games. Despite the Rams' embarrassing defeat to Baltimore, Long gave Ravens right tackle Michael Oher fits and was in the backfield a lot. Even so, the Rams' pass rush this season has been spotty, particularly lacking an inside push from the tackle positions.
