Linehan cuts with a personal touch

~ The first-year coach broke the news to eight players on Monday.

ST. LOUIS -- When it's time to deliver the bad news, Scott Linehan believes in a personal touch.

The new St. Louis Rams coach spent about an hour Monday morning meeting individually with the eight players that were released. None of them were big names, but Linehan has never forgotten his face-to-face visit with Tom Landry when the Dallas Cowboys cut loose the former Idaho quarterback in 1987.

"He didn't know me, but he met with me when he cut me, and that's always made an impression," Linehan said. "I meet with every player that's released. I always will. I just think it's the right thing to do."

The Rams also placed guard Claude Terrell, hampered by an injured right wrist that has not responded to offseason surgery, on injured reserve. Terrell, a fourth-round pick last year who started 10 games his rookie season, will miss the entire season.

Terrell said a second surgery will be scheduled next week in Houston by Texans physician Walter Lowe. Lowe did not perform the first operation.

"I'm just glad it's over with and we can move forward," Terrell said. "I've seen all the stories about nagging injuries and frustration, but it's all good."

Terrell had lost his job at left guard earlier in the offseason to Richie Incognito, who missed his rookie season in 2005 after undergoing knee surgery.

In dealing with players that are being released, Linehan differs from Mike Martz, who avoided it at all costs especially later during his six seasons with the team. Linehan said he spent 5-10 minutes with each player, only two of whom saw any playing time last season.

Linebacker Drew Wahlroos, who has a broken hand, was released with an injury settlement. He played in 15 games last year, virtually all of the action on special teams.

Defensive tackle Jeremy Calahan, who played in one game, also was cut.

Also released were kicker Remy Hamilton, running back Antoine Bagwell, tight end Rod Trafford, cornerback Kevin Timothee, offensive tackle Adam Haayer and wide receiver Jeremy Carter.

The Rams must cut 22 more players by Saturday to reach their 53-man roster, so Linehan's job is far from finished. Among the looming decisions: picking either Ryan Fitzpatrick or Dave Ragone as the third-string quarterback, and fifth-round draft choice Marques Hagans vs. Brad Pyatt as the kickoff returner.

"It's the hard part of the business," Linehan said. "The one thing I can share with each of them is that I can tell them that I was sitting in their chair at one time, but it doesn't mean the end.

"Try to encourage them and let them know to stay in shape. You never know what can happen and never burn any bridges and all those things."