RAMS : Wide Receiver Stallworth Injures Muscles in Neck
The Rams’ receiving corps suffered another blow Tuesday when Tim Stallworth left practice at UC Irvine with a neck injury.
Stallworth, a rookie wide receiver from Washington State, was injured while attempting to make a diving catch. He left UCI wearing a neck brace. Team officials said Stallworth would undergo an examination at a hospital as a precautionary measure.
“It doesn’t appear to be too serious,” Ram Coach John Robinson said. “I was told it was probably just some strained muscles. He just banged his head.”
Stallworth, who was a sixth-round selection in the 1990 draft, is one of the leading candidates for the fourth wide receiver spot. He is battling with Tony Lomack, a ninth-round draft pick from the University of Florida, and free agent Derrick Faison, who played at Howard University.
Stallworth, cousin of former Pittsburgh Steeler John Stallworth, finished his collegiate career third on Washington State’s all-time reception list with 125 catches for 2,250 yards and 16 touchdowns.
In Saturday’s exhibition game against Kansas City, Stallworth caught one pass for 16 yards. Faison had two receptions for 30 yards and Lomack had two for 25 yards.
Stallworth’s injury was the second to a Ram receiver since training camp began. The Rams lost Aaron Cox, the team’s No. 3 receiver, three weeks ago.
Cox, who had 20 receptions for 340 yards and three touchdowns in 1989, pulled a hamstring July 28. It is the second consecutive hamstring injury that has sidelined Cox.
However, Robinson said Cox should be ready by the season opener, Sept. 9 at Green Bay.
“Right now, he’s 78.7% good,” Robinson said. “That’s what they tell me anyway.”
More injuries: Cleveland Gary was at the doctor’s office Tuesday having his back examined. Gary sustained the injury against the Chiefs and is questionable for Saturday’s exhibition game against the Chargers.
If Gary is out, veteran Curt Warner should receive more playing time. Warner, who played seven years with the Seattle Seahawks, gained 12 yards in five carries against the Chiefs.
“Curt is rounding into shape nicely,” Robinson said. “I think he’ll be much more active in the next couple of weeks.”
Robinson also said defensive back Darryl Henley and linebacker Larry Kelm were making progress. Henley collapsed in the Ram locker room after going into hypoglycemic shock July 30. Kelm has an injured toe.
Both will miss Saturday’s game.
Robinson said the Rams would likely make their first cuts after Saturday’s game.
“I thought about making some cuts this week,” Robinson said. “Our first cuts will be next week, depending on how healthy we are.”
