Rams News

Phifer is rusty but almost ready

09/16/98

By Jim Thomas
Of the Post-Dispatch Staff

It's not as if Roman Phifer needed directions to the practice field or anything. But it has been awhile.
The veteran linebacker took part Wednesday in his first practice since suffering a torn hamstring Aug. 28 in the Rams' preseason finale against Kansas City.
``I was a little rusty,'' Phifer said. ``I don't feel totally back, but I feel pretty good. I've made a lot of progress over this last couple of weeks, so I'm hoping to play this week. But if not, definitely for sure, next week will be the week.''
Phifer, 30, was the Rams' defensive captain last season and has led the squad in tackles in three of the past five seasons. He's also been an ironman in his eight-year NFL career. Until his current injury, which occurred while sacking Chiefs quarterback Rich Gannon, Phifer had played in 95 of the Rams' previous 96 games -- a streak dating back to the start of the 1992 season.
The Rams have gotten by fairly well without him in two games this season, thanks to some surprisingly good play by Lorenzo Styles. But it is clear a healthy Phifer is among the Rams' top players.
Phifer got limited practice repetitions Wednesday. He has not been officially cleared by team trainers and coaches to play Sunday in Buffalo, but he will be evaluated during the week. Given their troubles with several players' hamstrings last season, most notably Isaac Bruce, the Rams are taking a cautious approach with Phifer.
``Obviously, they're concerned because of the Ike incident -- how he came back too early and injured it again,'' Phifer said. ``They say when it feels 100 percent or almost 100 percent, then you should take an extra week or an extra few days. So whenever you think you're back, then you should even take a few more days.''
Ram-blings: Quarterback Tony Banks sat out the last half of Wednesday's practice because of soreness in his left (non-throwing) shoulder -- a result of a hit he took against Minnesota. . . . Tight end Ernie Conwell sat out Wednesday because of sore ribs -- the result of a late hit by a Viking after one of Conwell's five catches.

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