Mark

LeVoir

It’s perhaps a sign that Ben Grubbs (toe) is close to returning. LeVoir was beaten out by Andre Gurode as Grubbs’ injury fill-in, and he was a healthy scratch last week.

The Rams’ tackles are dropping like flies. RT Jason Smith (concussion) is out indefinitely, LT Rodger Saffold is done for the season, and LeVoir had been starting in place of Saffold at left tackle after signing on October 26. The Rams’ inability to protect Sam Bradford has the potential to kill his chances of maintaining respectable QB2 value down the stretch.

It was originally diagnosed as a shoulder ailment. LeVoir will undergo an MRI today, and he’ll be forced to injured reserve like fellow LT Rodger Saffold if it reveals a tear. Third-stringer Kevin Hughes was beaten like a drum in LeVoir’s absence Sunday, so the Rams should be in the market for a tackle this week.

The Rams are already down to third- and fourth-stringers on the offensive line and at cornerback, so it’s just more of the same for LeVoir and Gordy.

Unwelcome news for a Rams team that’s been forced to mix-and-match at left tackle since losing Rodger Saffold for the season in Week 10. LeVoir was making his first start since Week 11 after being sidelined with a pectoral injury. If LeVoir is forced to sit against the Bengals, Adam Goldberg will protect Sam Bradford’s blindside.

LeVoir practiced in full on Friday, so it looks like he’s on track to start Monday. He’ll likely line up across from Seahawks DE Chris Clemons, who had three sacks and two forced fumbles after LeVoir went down in Week 11. Expected to start in place of Sam Bradford, Tom Brandstater will need all the time he can get.

It’s a big blow for the Rams, who now have practice-squad talent Kevin Hughes protecting Sam Bradford’s blindside. Hughes was signed on Saturday. Lower your expectations (further) if you’re starting Bradford in a two-QB league today.

Starting right tackle Jason Smith is dealing with another concussion, leaving him highly questionable for Sunday’s game against the Saints. LeVoir brings a hint of starting experience that he gained with the Patriots.

The practice squad also includes running back Jermaine Allen from England, who doesn’t count toward the eight-man limit thanks to the NFL’s international development program.

LeVoir, a former undrafted rookie out of Notre Dame, has spent the past two seasons on the Bears’ practice squad.