| | Associated Press
ST. LOUIS -- A strong showing by one young running back and
the quick recovery of another has ended Derek Loville's brief
tenure with the St. Louis Rams.
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| Loville |
The Rams on Wednesday cut the 10-year veteran who was acquired
in a trade with Denver on April 5 for a sixth-round draft pick.
Loville was bothered early in camp by a hamstring injury. In two
exhibition games, he carried seven times for 18 yards and caught
two passes for nine yards.
"It was a tough decision," coach Mike Martz said. "We've got
some young guys that are coming on pretty good right now, and it
looks like Derek might be towards the end."
Second-year back Justin Watson impressed the coaching staff by
playing well despite an ankle injury in Monday's 30-3 preseason
loss at Tennessee. Watson lost a fumble but ran hard and gained 30
yards on seven carries.
Meanwhile, first-round draft pick Trung Canidate's injured ankle
has improved to the point where he might play in next week's
preseason finale at Dallas. Originally, there was concern that
Canidate might not be ready until late September, missing three or
four regular-season games.
"Trung might get some reps against Dallas," Martz said. "This
is something that we're kind of excited about. He's running routes
out here on the practice field, and he's cutting, and dodging
cones."
Canidate hurt the ankle in a scrimmage with Tennessee during
training camp.
Loville was scheduled to make $450,000 this year, so his release
will save the Rams a few salary cap dollars. Assuming that Watson
takes Loville's spot on the final roster, the Rams will realize a
cap savings of $175,000 -- Loville's $450,000 minus the $275,000
Watson is scheduled to make this year.
It isn't much, but every little bit counts for the Rams as they
try to re-sign All-Pro defensive end Kevin Carter, who is in the
final year of his contract.
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