Jason

Smith

The Rams feared their right tackle had suffered a high-ankle sprain, but he’s been diagnosed with only a garden-variety sprain. He has not been ruled out for Week 2 against the Giants, and will have an extra day to rest with the game coming on Monday Night Football. The Rams will be crossing their fingers he can play, as backup RT Adam Goldberg is a major downgrade.

The No. 2 overall pick of the 2009 draft has seen two of his first three seasons cut short by multi-game concussions, but new coach Jeff Fisher believes “that stuff’s behind him now.” Fisher says there’s “no doubt” in his mind Smith will “return and be able to play.” That would be only half the battle for Smith, however, as he’s been amongst the league’s least effective tackles the past three seasons. Due $10 million in 2012, Smith will be released if he isn’t amenable to a massive pay-cut, and is unlikely to open next season higher than third on the depth at tackle if he remains in St. Louis.

“Jason will be cleared and ready to go,” said Fisher. “My understanding now is he doesn’t have any issues.” Smith has surprisingly stayed on St. Louis’ roster to this point, which either indicates they’re holding out hope of trading him before the draft or are serious about giving Smith another shot. It’s not like the Rams are flush with talent on the offensive line.

The salary is fully guaranteed, and Smith will also receive a $500,000 roster bonus. Smith agreed to void the final year of his rookie deal (2014), while 2013 is now a voidable year for the Rams. They’re massive concessions for a former No. 2 overall pick, but Smith is lucky he wasn’t released outright following another season marred by injury and ineffectiveness. The fact he’ll still make $4 million suggests he remains locked in as the Rams’ right tackle. Smith’s $12 million 2013 base salary was reduced to $750,000, but a monster $11.25 million roster bonus will force the Rams to make a decision on his future.

“He’s good. He’s been here, he’s been working,” said Fisher. “He’s been working very well inside and his condition level is excellent. We’re excited about a new start for him.” The new coaching staff seems intent on giving Smith a shot to keep his starting job entering the 2012 season.

This seconds a recent Profootballtalk.com report, which said Smith has been issued an ultimatum to take a pay-cut or be released. Only $1 million of his 2012 salary is guaranteed. Limited by concussions to just 29 of a possible 48 games since being the No. 2 overall pick of the 2009 draft, Smith has been abysmal in pass protection and only marginally better against the run. He’s on the verge of washing out of the league.

"(It’s) getting close to the time when we have to make a decision,” Spagnuolo said. Smith is still dealing with concussion symptoms four weeks after taking a brutal hit against the Cowboys. The No. 2 overall pick of the 2009 draft has suffered a concussion each year he’s been in the league, and saw his rookie campaign cut short by a severe one. His future is very much up in the air.

A colossal, concussion-prone bust as the former No. 2 overall pick in the draft, Smith is owed a $10 million base salary. Smith has started 26 games over the course of his first three seasons and performed miserably both as a pass and run blocker. The expectation is that Smith and C Jason Brown, whose cap number is $7.2 million, will both be asked to take pay cuts.

We’re losing hope fast for the No. 2 overall pick in the 2009 draft. Beaten like a drum when healthy and usually not the latter, Smith has suffered two serious, multi-game concussions in his first three seasons. The Rams need to enter the 2012 offseason operating as if they have a hole at right tackle and considering anything Smith provides going forward only a bonus. It’s quite possible that St. Louis will use its top-10 pick in April’s draft on an offensive tackle, especially if the Rams get Brandon Lloyd signed long term.

A league source tells PFT that Smith has received an “ultimatum” from the Rams. His base salary is a whopping $10 million, and only $1 million of it is guaranteed. Since being the No. 2 overall pick in the 2009 draft, Smith has started only 26 of a possible 48 games. When healthy, Smith has been terrifically poor in pass protection and added very little as a run blocker.