Michael

Hoomanawanui

“Illinois Mike” has been sidelined since the Rams’ second preseason game. The Rams explored Hoomanawanui’s pass-catching potential as a rookie last year, but he’s expected to join Billy Bajema as a blocking tight end in new OC Josh McDaniels’ scheme.

Hoomanawanui is getting back pretty quick considering this was his second concussion since training camp. The oft-injured backup has two catches in three games this season.

Hoomanawanui suffered the injury in mid-November. Assuming he takes the normal recovery path, he should be getting close to 100 percent just as training camp opens.

With his leg planted, Hoomanawanui took a direct hit to his knee from Joe Haden’s helmet. It had the looks of a potentially season-ending injury, and leaves the Rams with just Billy Bajema at tight end with Lance Kendricks sidelined with a foot injury. His status should be updated at coach Steve Spagnuolo’s Monday press conference.

Despite the fact that the 37-year-old Harris’ best days are long behind him, his loss would be a devastating blow for a team that’s already lost CBs Ron Bartell, Bradley Fletcher, Jerome Murphy and Brian Jackson for the season. If his year is indeed through, the Rams will be forced to move forward with Justin King, Josh Gordy and Marquis Johnson at cornerback. Official word on both Harris and Hoomanawanui’s status should come on Monday.

Hoomanawanui suffered his injury on the final play of the third quarter in Sunday’s win over the Browns. He tried to hurdle Joe Haden, but his knee slammed into the defender. The oft-injured Hoomanawanui had just seven catches for 81 yards in eight games played this season.

The timing of the injury may threaten Hoomanawanui’s status for the start of the 2011 season. He’s never been a fast healer. The 132nd pick in the 2010 draft, Hoomanawanui has been an incredibly injury-prone pro and will end this year having missed 16 of his first 32 possible games. Though he started eight times in 2011, Hoomanawanui was mostly a blocker with 83 yards on seven catches.

The Josh McDaniels connection strikes again. Hoomanawanui joined the Redskins’ practice squad after getting waived by the Rams, but the Pats are in the market for more tight end depth behind Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. The oft-injured “Big Mike” would slide in behind Daniel Fells as the No. 4 tight end. Visanthe Shiancoe (undisclosed) might be headed for injured reserve.

Hoomanawanui was waived by the Rams on Sunday, added to the Redskins practice squad Tuesday and is now part of the Patriots’ 53-man roster. He’s reunited with OC Josh McDaniels, who coached the oft-injured blocker in St. Louis. Hoomanawanui is expected to slide in as the No. 4 tight end, taking the place of a sidelined Visanthe Shiancoe.

They claimed OT Ty Nsekhe and OG Shelley Smith off waivers from the Colts and Texans, respectively. Although “Illinois Mike” was a solid blocker who flashed decent pass-catching ability underneath, in two seasons with St. Louis he was regularly on the shelf and ultimately not enough of a difference maker. Ojinnaka will be replaced as the Rams’ swing tackle by Wayne Hunter.