Rams lose McMichael for season

ST. LOUIS -- As if an 0-4 start wasn't bad enough, things got even worse for the St. Louis Rams on Monday with the news that tight end Randy McMichael will be lost for the rest of the season.

McMichael suffered a broken tibia and torn ligament in his right leg in the Rams' 31-14 loss to Buffalo on Sept. 28. On Monday, the team decided to put him on injured reserve, ending his 2008 season.

"He is a guy that is another playmaker on our football team," Rams coach Jim Haslett said. "It's a shame. He's a good kid. He worked hard. He's one of our better blockers and he's a guy who can run and go catch it, so obviously not having him is going to hurt us."

Third-year player Joe Klopfenstein will start at tight end, beginning with Sunday's game at Washington (4-1). Klopfenstein started as a rookie in 2006 before the Rams signed McMichael to a free agent contract.

"He'll be the starter, and he needs to step up and play," Haslett said. "He has all the ability in the world. Guy comes in his first year, starts 16 games, plays well, good blocker and the guy can run and catch, and it's an opportunity he needs to step up and take advantage of. And I don't see why he won't."

The Rams expected big things out of McMichael in 2008 after what essentially amounted to a lost season in 2007. Because of the many injuries that plagued the offensive line last year, McMichael often found himself working as a glorified third tackle as he stayed in to block instead of catching passes.

After finishing with a career low 39 catches, McMichael was expected to be a difference maker in new offensive coordinator Al Saunders' offense.

McMichael led the Rams in receiving in the first week against Philadelphia and had 11 catches for 139 yards in four games this season.

Also Monday, the Rams signed tight end Daniel Fells from the Tampa Bay practice squad. He was on the field for Monday's practice, and Haslett said he expects him to have a shot at being active Sunday against Washington.

The Rams also have nine-year veteran Anthony Becht, though he's considered a blocking tight end.