St. Louis Rams' O-line looks stronger as Rodger Saffold returns to practice

The St. Louis Rams received some great news Tuesday. Starting left tackle Rodger Saffold participated in team drills for the first time since injuring his knee, according to Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Saffold suffered a third-degree MCL sprain in his right knee against the Washington Redskins in Week 2 and has not played since, slowly working toward a full recovery. It was the second major injury for Saffold this year after he strained his neck in the season opener against the Detroit Lions.

Saffold told Thomas that he felt great following practice on Tuesday and said he felt optimistic about playing this week. Saffold returning to the starting lineup would be a welcome sight for the Rams, considering Saffold's backup Wayne Hunter was unable to play against the Green Bay Packers in St. Louis' last game. Third-stringer Joe Barksdale was forced to start in Hunter's place against the Packers.