Rams News

Mike D. Jones to start; Vermeil won't activate running back Holcombe

09/10/98

By Jim Thomas
Of the Post-Dispatch Staff

There will be two Mike Joneses in the lineup Sunday against Minnesota. But for the second week in a row, no Robert Holcombe.
Coach Dick Vermeil announced Thursday that defensive lineman Mike D. Jones will start at right end against the Vikings.
"The coaches just feel he played slightly better than Jay (Williams) did against New Orleans," Vermeil said. "And Jay, in my mind, hasn't gotten quite back to where he was last year in a rotation role."
Against the Saints, Jones had two tackles and three quarterback pressures. He was acquired Aug. 30 from New England for a fifth-round draft choice in 2000. "So far, I would say it's a very good acquisition," Vermeil said. Jones joins linebacker Mike A. Jones (no relation) in the starting lineup.
Vermeil also said Jerald Moore figures to be the Rams' backup running back against Minnesota behind starter Greg Hill.
"We're almost locked into it because Jerald's our backup (fullback) to Derrick Harris," Vermeil said. "That way, if Derrick was injured, we could stay with our two-back attack."
It's not official until Vermeil designates his seven inactive players today and Sunday, but he said the Rams will dress only four backs Sunday for the second week in a row. With Hill, Moore, Harris and third-down back Amp Lee all certain to play, that means Holcombe and June Henley are slated for inactive status against the Vikings.
Holcombe was the team's leading rusher in the preseason and a second-round draft pick (No. 37 overall) in April. So far, the Rams are paying him $2.55 million over four years, including a $900,000 signing bonus, to sit in the stands and watch. He also was inactive last week against the Saints.
"Hopefully, in a short period of time we'll have Holcombe active and put somebody else down and let him play," Vermeil said, adding, "It's hard to differentiate between those guys as pure runners."
It's a sellout: The Rams-Vikings game at the Trans World Dome has met NFL sellout requirements, meaning the contest will be televised locally on KTVI (Channel 2). About 400 tickets are available - most are returns from Minnesota.
Scratchers day: Fans outside the Trans World Dome before the Vikings game, and around the downtown area, can win an official game-worn Rams jersey in a "Scratchers" promotion to benefit the United Way. In return for a $1 donation to the United Way of Greater St. Louis, fans will receive a "scratch off" ticket. A total of 46 winners will join the Rams players for a postgame reception Sunday in the Rams Club at the dome, where the jerseys will be awarded.
Volunteers wearing bright yellow T-shirts will be selling the tickets on game day.
Injury update: Center Mike Gruttadauria practiced Thursday for the first time since undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery three weeks ago but probably won't play Sunday. Strong safety Toby Wright (knee) participated in his second consecutive day of practice and is expected to play against Minnesota after missing the opener.

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