St. Louis Rams' new offensive line begins to take shape—finally

If you've watched Sam Bradford this year you might not realize it, but the St. Louis Rams actually did attempt to update their ineffectual offensive line before the 2012 season. They signed Scott Wells, the Green Bay Packers' Pro Bowl center, to a four year, $24 million deal, and then they dumped draft bust Jason Smith and put Rodger Saffold on notice that he could be next.

Then the regular season started. Scott Wells broke a bone in his foot and Rodger Saffold appeared to break his neck(!), came back earlier than anyone expected, and immediately sprained his MCL. It's been that kind of year, Rodger—we know.

Ever since, the Rams' offensive line has been just another question mark as we attempt to gauge the Rams' new offense and judge, two-and-a-half years into a checkered career, the progress Sam Bradford has made. In Week 10, though, after all the waiting, those pieces they invested in are starting to come back online.

Rodger Saffold, questionable for Week 8, told Jim Thomas he was optimistic about returning to the field by Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers. Wells, meanwhile, regained his eligibility after Week 8, thanks to the NFL's new injured-reserve rules; he hasn't returned to practice, yet, but Howard Balzer, on a tweeting frenzy after the Rams' Tuesday practice, says he might soon:

Rams C Scott Wells, on IR/designated for return, is eligible to begin practicing. He was with team today; might practice Wednesday.

— Howard Balzer (@HBalzer721) November 6, 2012

There it is: Good news about the St. Louis Rams' offensive line. It's the same news we had in the offseason—Scott Wells signed with the Rams, everybody!—but after 10 weeks of waiting for things to finally cohere like they were supposed to on opening day I'm ready to celebrate it all over again.