Rams place Incognito on injured reserve

ST. LOUIS -- The St. Louis Rams have placed rookie offensive lineman Richie Incognito on injured reserve after his surgically repaired knee failed to respond as quickly as had been anticipated.

Incognito, a third-round pick, participated in only one practice after rehabbing from kneecap surgery. He said Wednesday the Rams placed him on IR last week during their bye week.

"I'm a little disappointed but my leg isn't strong enough to be ready, to hold that knee into place, and that's the most important thing," Incognito said. "That's what's kind of holding me back right now.

"I'm going to get better, get stronger, learn the system and hopefully come in and contribute next year."

Incognito signed a four-year contract in late September, more than five months after he was drafted. He was an all-Big 12 selection at Nebraska as a sophomore in 2003 but missed his senior season after getting kicked out of Oregon.