The Rams thought they had a potentially significant addition to their offensive line when they signed Jovan Olafioye of the British Columbia Lions this week. But it turns out that Olafioye won’t be heading to St. Louis after all.
Olafioye has failed the Rams’ physical, and now he’s heading back to British Columbia and planning to play this season in the Canadian Football League. Olafioye’s agent, Dan Vertlieb, released a statement confirming the news, although he did not say what the reason was that the Rams’ doctors wouldn’t sign off on him.
“The St. Louis Rams have notified Jovan that they have released him from his contract due to their concerns about a medical issue,” the statement read. “Given the closing window to explore opportunities in the NFL in Jovan’s current CFL contract, he will return to the B.C. Lions for another season after thoroughly addressing his status.”
News 1130 in Vancouver reports that Olafioye failed the Rams’ physical because of a kidney issue. B.C. Lions General Manager Wally Buono said the Canadian team is ready to support Olafioye through his health issues.
“We are pleased to welcome Jovan back and we will work with him closely in coming months to ensure any issues that may have arisen are addressed,” Buono said.
The 24-year-old Olafioye is a 6-foot-6, 325-pounder from Detroit who played his college football at North Carolina Central and emerged last year as one of the CFL’s best linemen.
