St. Louis' Conwell recovered from serious injury

ST. LOUIS

It's probably safe to say Ernie Conwell isn't taking his starting spot for granted.

The St. Louis Rams tight end is a first-stringer for the first time since he wrecked his right knee in the middle of the 1998 season. It took three years of recuperation, with slow progress, to get him back in the lineup.

"Everybody roots for Ernie," coach Mike Martz said. "How could you not root for him?"

Conwell, a second-round draft pick in 1996, required total reconstruction of the knee after he tore all the ligaments in his right knee against the San Francisco 49ers on Oct. 25, 1998. At the time, there were whispers in the organization that he'd never be the same, and indeed that he may never play again.

Conwell played in three games as a reserve in 1999, and although he played in all 16 games last year, he wasn't much of a factor with five catches.

After another grueling offseason, he's finally back.

"Definitely it's worth it, because I've got a passion to play this game and I want to be great at what I do," Conwell said. "There's nothing like playing the game, in my opinion, and to be a part of it again is a great feeling."

This is not just an inspirational story, though, about a player resuming his career at whatever cost and whatever level. Conwell is a big part of the Rams' offense, tying a career best with five receptions for 49 yards and his first touchdown since 1997 in the opening 20-17 overtime victory at Philadelphia.

The 49ers have to be concerned about the tight end in preparation for Sunday's game because Conwell and Jeff Robinson combined to catch seven passes for 72 yards -- the most receptions for that position in almost five years -- against the Eagles.

Conwell also ran a 4-yard reverse in overtime to help set up Jeff Wilkins' game-winning field goal. Martz isn't afraid to split Conwell outside, and he's a backup in the team's four-wideout package.

"He's become such a pivotal guy for us," Martz said. "His role, I don't know if you can say enough about what he does for this team offensively, and what he allows us to do."

The time since the knee injury hasn't made Conwell less of a perfectionist. The day after the Eagles game, he was dissecting his performance.

Among other things, Conwell said he was tentative at times on run blocking. He also said he needed to finish his blocks better, giving himself no slack.

"No, not at all," Conwell said. "You've got to figure out how to get better each week."

Conwell said he was more excited than nervous about his season-opening start.

"Hey, look, I'm going to have an opportunity to contribute significantly," Conwell said. "Whether you catch one ball or no balls or five balls, you're on the field and you have to do your assignments.

"I was just excited to be a part of this offense."