Saffold's neck injury diagnosed as strain

ST. LOUIS -- Rams offensive tackle Rodger Saffold returned to St. Louis after spending the night in Detroit with a neck injury sustained against the Lions that coach Jeff Fisher called a "significant strain."

Saffold was discharged Sunday night from a hospital after results of several medical tests were negative. He had a CT scan and X-rays.

Fisher declined to speculate on a time frame for Saffold's return, saying the player's status would be addressed on the injury report later in the week.

The Rams lost another offensive lineman, center Scott Wells, in their opening loss. Wells broke the fifth metatarsal bone on his left foot and will need surgery.

Fisher said the Rams would use the new "marquee" injured reserve rule that allows them to activate one player off IR for Week 9, and bring back Wells then. He said Wells' rehab period coincides pretty well with the IR timing.

Wells, who got a four-year, $24 million free agent deal from the Rams, has barely been on the field. He missed the first two preseason games coming off surgery on his right knee.

-- Associated Press