The St. Louis Rams made a contract offer to running back Steven Jackson late Thursday night, and it was rejected Friday afternoon by his agent Eugene Parker. Jackson did not show up for the first day of practice Friday in Mequon, Wisconsin, and he will be fined $15,000 per day he is absent.
Donnie Avery is a no show also because he hasn’t agreed to terms yet, but he is hurting himself by not being in camp because the Rams’ playbook is so complex, and most plays count on precision and timing. Avery has a very good chance to play a big part in this offense, but he needs to get to camp so he doesn't fall too far behind.
It was speculated earlier in the week that Orlando Pace would be on the physically unable to perform list for the beginning of camp, but he was cleared to participate in a limited number of reps. Head Coach Scott Linehan said that Pace needed to get into football shape.
Adam Carriker, who is also recovering from shoulder surgery, was cleared to play, but wasn't scheduled to get a full workload Friday afternoon.
The players will be in full pads right away, and they will be doing the most physical part of practice—9 on 7 right off the bat.
They will also be doing a lot of 11 on 11 running drills because the coaches want the wide receivers to get better at blocking and the defensive backs to be better at defending the run.
Two-a-days start Saturday with a morning practice from 8-10 and they will come back at 4pm for the second session.
The team will lift weights on Sunday followed by a quick 45 minute special teams practice and then have a regular afternoon practice.