ST. LOUIS -- It was tough enough for the St. Louis Rams to be competitive when they all were healthy.
Lately, mounting injuries have increased the degree of difficulty for the Rams (2-8), who played for the NFC West title last January but have been among the NFL's worst teams this year. Four starters did not practice Wednesday, notably middle linebacker James Laurinaitis with a foot injury, and seven others were limited.
That's on top of their list of 11 players on injured reserve. Five of those were starters on opening day and two others saw significant starting time.
Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels said there might be some position shifts on the line Sunday to avoid a repeat of what happened in last weekend's loss to the Seahawks.
Tackle Kevin Hughes was elevated from the practice squad a day before the game after Rodger Saffold was placed on injured reserve with a pectoral injury. He was pressed into service after tackle Mark LeVoir was sidelined with a shoulder injury. Hughes struggled against defensive end Chris Clemons, who had a career game with three sacks and two forced fumbles in what Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo noted was an unfair challenge.
"We're going to give all of them reps at the positions they play," McDaniels said. "We're going to ask some other guys to do multiple things because we have to. You're going to have to potentially play a guard at tackle, potentially play a center at guard, swing guys left and right, and if something does happen in the game, there's going to be some moving parts and pieces."
Center Jason Brown could get back into the mix after getting benched in favor of Tony Wragge for the last two games. Brown got some snaps at center Wednesday and said he's never felt better for this time of the year. But for the wrong reason.
"Not being in there on Sundays, when I get home it's like I'm still full of energy," Brown said. "Some people are happy or just fine being spectators, but that's never been me."
Marquis Johnson became the 10th cornerback placed on injured reserve Wednesday. He was sidelined by a lacerated spleen. Three of the top four cornerbacks are out for the year, and it's anticipated that they'll finish the year without both offensive tackles, too. Jason Smith likely is out for a fifth consecutive game, and Spagnuolo said earlier in the week the team might face a decision soon.
The leading wide receiver, Danny Amendola, was knocked out in the opener, and tight end Mike Hoomanawanui went on IR last week.
Justin King is the lone cornerback remaining from the top four, and he was limited by a knee injury Wednesday. Cornerback Nate Ness was elevated from the practice squad Wednesday.
Spagnuolo has no idea why injuries have been hit so hard. Hiring a nutritionist and emphasizing modern training techniques have been no help.
"I think our trainers and strength people do a great job," Spagnuolo said. "We have guys on extensive stretching programs just to get them ready for practice."
Players are well-hydrated, too, some of them getting IVs to make sure.
"So we think we're doing anything and everything there is you could possibly do to avoid injuries," Spagnuolo said. "And yet the game is a physical game, so we're going to have them."
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