Whether the St. Louis Rams planned on having Sam Bradford under center as their quarterback of the future, or expected to draft one in this year's loaded class, the team expected left tackle Jake Long to protect that passer's blindside. Now, his ability to do that is in question.
Long tore his ACL and MCL this week without the knee being contacted, and could be out of action beyond the start of next season. "With respect to the fact that also the MCL is included, surgery will probably be delayed four to six weeks," Rams coach Jeff Fisher said. "He takes very good care of himself. He knows and understands what's ahead. Obviously he is shocked right now but he's indicated to us that he'll be back and good to go."
Typical recovery time for such a severe injury, plus delays on the actual surgery due to swelling place Long's timetable beyond Week 1 of the 2014 campaign. Long and the Rams aren't totally ruling out a return by the Rams' opener though. Long's position, left tackle, also lends toward a quicker comeback.
"I wouldn't say [it's] doubtful," Fisher said. "I think there's a difference between a skill player and interior line, especially an offensive lineman. The doctors were very optimistic, as he was."
Long is in the first year of a four-year, $34 million contract he inked with St. Louis. The Miami Dolphins let long go partially because of a growing list of injuries. It is unclear how Long's issues affect the Rams' plans for the draft, and Fisher wasn't in a divulging mood.
"We'll address that once we are finished with the season but I have confidence in him coming back," Fisher said. "He's an exceptional athlete, takes care of himself ... and he'll get himself back and ready to play."
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