Return of Butler, Fisher should bolster secondary

~Injuries kept the two defensive backs from playing roles last year.

ST. LOUIS -- Compared with doing rehab, practicing in 96-degree heat Saturday was a piece of cake for St. Louis Rams cornerbacks Travis Fisher and Jerametrius Butler.

"If I had an enemy, that's what I'd put him through," Butler said about the endless rehab he endured last year after undergoing knee surgery. "I don't want to go back and do rehab. It's that bad. It's worse than a regular job."

Fisher agreed.

"It was grueling," said Fisher, who missed the final eight games of last season with a groin injury.

Rams coach Scott Linehan said both players have been working hard in training camp at Rams Park.

"I think they're doing great," Linehan said. "I mean, they're not hurt, so that's a good start. I think they've been responding very well to their opportunity that's in front of them. I think their consistent level of play and their willingness to accept the new defense has been, not a surprise, but brought a lot of positive thoughts to us in the coaching meeting room, I can tell you that."

Butler, a fifth-round draft pick in 2001, broke into the starting lineup in 2003. He started 15 games and had four interceptions. He came into his own in 2004 when he started all 16 games, including both postseason contests. He established career highs with 100 tackles, one fumble recovery and 22 passes defensed. He led the Rams with five interceptions.

That bright promise was set back when Butler tore a right knee ligament during the first day of training camp last year. Covering Isaac Bruce on a 10-yard inside pattern, Butler planted his leg and made a cut. Immediately, Butler said, he knew he had hurt his knee.

Butler had surgery on the knee at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City. He missed the entire 2005 campaign.

"It was frustrating," Butler said. "I wanted to be out there like any other player. It was hard to watch because they played so horribly."

Fisher, a second-round pick in the 2002 draft, started 11 games as a rookie and 15 games in 2003, in which he picked off four passes. A broken arm in the 2004 preseason caused Fisher to miss six games, but he started the last 10 contests.

Injuries thwarted Fisher again last season. He went on the injured reserve list with a groin injury and did not play in the final eight games.

"My body is feeling fine," Fisher said. "It was very difficult trying to play basically with one leg. I wanted to help the guys, and I wasn't able to do that."

The two cornerbacks have competition. St. Louis drafted cornerback Tye Hill in the first round and signed free agent Fakhir Brown. Returning veterans are Dwight Anderson, DeJuan Groce and Ron Bartell.