Rob

Turner

Turner, who turns 28 before the season, is a former undrafted free agent out of New Mexico. Though able to play guard and right tackle, Turner started just two games in five years with the Jets. He’s mostly a special teams lineman.

Turner was one of three free agent guards to visit the Rams on Friday, joining Chilo Rachal and Jamey Richard. Turner missed 2011 with a broken leg, but appeared in all 16 games for the Jets in 2010. He’d be a versatile depth signing for a team reconstructing its offensive line.

It’s a potentially huge trouble spot for a line already among the league’s worst at the other four positions. “We’ve got a lot of options, and we’ll continue to rotate guys in there,” said coach Jeff Fisher. Options include former practice squad player Bryan Mattison, undersized center Tim Barnes, ex-Jet special teamer Rob Turner, and mammoth rookie project Rokevious Watkins.

Watkins was drafted to be the future at the position, but it’s a stretch to suggest that he’s ready now after missing the beginning of training camp. Veteran Rob Turner is the fallback option. With a shaky Barry Richardson starting at right tackle, the Rams have two exploitable spots on the offensive line.

New York was hoping Turner would provide a late-season boost to its offensive line depth, but the Jets have come to terms with the fact that he’s lost for the rest of 2011. Turner’s deactivation will open up a roster spot.

Turner started all 16 games last season, seven games at left guard and nine in place of injured Scott Wells at center. He played 1,084 snaps after missing all of 2011 with a broken leg. Turner fared better at center than guard, but will likely compete for the Titans’ right guard job. Ideally, he’d be a versatile reserve.

Turner, 30, has made 24 career starts, seeing action at both guard spots and center. He’ll stay with the Bears until Brian De La Puente (knee) heals up.

Oldenburg, a fifth-round pick by the Patriots this season, and Turner fill the roster spots of the recently waived Eric Hicks and Adrian Jones.

Through six weeks, Turner is ProFootballFocus’ No. 33 center of 34 qualifiers. He’s struggled mightily in the run game, so perhaps Schwenke’s insertion into the starting lineup can spark Chris Johnson. The fourth-round rookie certainly can’t play any worse.

Turner lost his starting job to Brian Schwenke in Week 7, so it perhaps provides some context for his struggles. He graded out as Pro Football Focus’ No. 33 center of 34 qualifiers. The Titans have signed OL Pat McQuistan to replace Turner on the active roster.