St. Louis releases offensive lineman

~ Adam Timmerman helped the Rams to their Super Bowl title.

By R.B. FallstromThe Associated Press

ST. LOUIS -- The St. Louis Rams on Monday released guard Adam Timmerman, a team stalwart who played in two Super Bowls for the team.

Timmerman was informed by Rams coach Scott Linehan that he was being released from the club, his agent, Mark Bartelstein, said. Timmerman, 35, has no plans to retire.

"I think they just wanted to make a change," Bartelstein said. "It's a difficult thing for Adam. He feels great and he's looking forward to having a great season.

"His body feels great and he's ready to go. This is a tough part of the business."

The Rams were expected to announce the release Wednesday. Bartelstein, based in Chicago, said it could happen as early as today. Linehan was at the NFL's annual scouting combine in Indianapolis.

Timmerman had both shoulders operated on after last season and ended this season with a rib injury.

The Rams signed Timmerman away from Green Bay in free agency after the 1998 season.

He became part of the starting lineup at right guard and stayed there the next eight seasons, playing in 10 playoff games and two Super Bowls for the Rams and earning two Pro Bowl berths.

Timmerman built a streak of 204 consecutive games, both regular-season and playoff, since his rookie season in 1995 with the Green Bay Packers. He missed the Rams' last three games with cracked ribs, ending that run.

The Rams brought in a young offensive line interior that included Richie Incognito at Timmerman's right guard spot. Incognito will have that spot at the start of training camp.

Rams offensive coordinator Greg Olson said in January that the team has some "aging veterans up front who have done a tremendous job for the team," but who eventually would be replaced.