Rams News

Rams weigh return of Phillips

09/21/98

By Jim Thomas
Of the Post-Dispatch Staff

Now that Greg Hill is out with a broken leg, the Rams may bring in another running back.
``You have to consider it because we still have a lot of games to play,'' coach Dick Vermeil said.
Some names that have come up at Rams Park won't surprise you. Terry Kirby (49ers, Dolphins), Rodney Hampton (Giants) and former Rams back David Thompson are all unemployed and available.
One will: Lawrence Phillips.
Phillips, in fact, called running backs coach Wilbert Montgomery on Monday morning to ask if the Rams needed a back because of Hill's injury. Phillips told Montgomery he has been staying in Miami and has been working out.
Vermeil spoke with Phillips last week. ``He's looking for work,'' Vermeil said. ``He told me that Green Bay had called him to evaluate his situation.''
After all of Phillips' trials and tribulations with the Rams, would Vermeil consider bringing him back?
``Yeah, I would,'' Vermeil said. ``But I don't know how much of a problem it would cause.''
Phillips rushed for 1,265 yards and scored 13 touchdowns in 25 games with the Rams over the 1996 and '97 seasons. He was released by the Rams last Nov. 20, one day after walking out on team meetings and practice. He signed with the Dolphins two weeks later, and finished the '97 season in Miami, but was cut this preseason.
Vermeil indicated Monday that Thompson might be a more viable alternative.
``He's a good kick returner,'' Vermeil said. ``Still, getting him out there active is tough.''
Why? Because Thompson isn't an every-down back. Even without Hill, if the Rams continue to dress only four running backs, those four probably would be Robert Holcombe, Jerald Moore, Amp Lee and Derrick Harris.
The Rams plan to bring in second-year player George Jones for a look-see today. Jones, 5 feet 9 and 204 pounds, rushed for 235 yards and scored two touchdowns last season as Jerome Bettis' backup in Pittsburgh. He was released by the Steelers this preseason.
Surgery for G. Hill: Greg Hill underwent surgery Monday at Barnes West hospital, and he may be out for the season. Doctors Robert Shively and George Paletta fastened a steel plate with screws to repair a fractured fibula in Hill's right leg. The fibula is a small, non-weight bearing bone above the ankle.
Hill also suffered torn ligaments on the inside of the same ankle. Shively and Paletta used surgical staples to re-attach the ligaments so they could grow back on the bone.
``It's one of those unfortunate accidents that's all part of this game,'' Vermeil said. ``It's just a shame. And it'll be a loss, no question.''
Revised estimates now have Hill sidelined for eight to 10 weeks. So the Rams are considering placing Hill on the injured reserve list, meaning he would be out for the season but freeing up a roster spot for another running back.
Hill was injured when tackled by Ted Washington for a safety. Washington told Buffalo reporters Monday that he was not trying to injure Hill on the play and that he didn't realize Hill was hurt badly until he picked up his newspaper Monday morning.
Cheap shot by E. Hill? Buffalo quarterback Rob Johnson says he was knocked out of the game with a cheap shot by Rams linebacker Eric Hill. Johnson was KO'd with his second concussion in three games by a jarring hit to the left temple by Hill on a quarterback sneak in the fourth quarter.
When Johnson ran a quarterback sneak earlier in the game, he said Hill told him, `` `The next time you do that, I'm going to get you good.' It was the same guy. He was definitely spearing. On a quarterback sneak, they're going to try to hurt you. He definitely led with his helmet . . . but it's part of the game.''
Bills officials sent tape of the hit to the NFL for review. Hill could be fined if the league agrees it was a flagrant hit.

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