Sources: Rams want area where Bush, McCown were injured fixed before next home game
In the wake of injuries suffered by Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh McCown and San Francisco 49ers running back Reggie Bush, the Rams have informed the NFL and the city of St. Louis they want changes made to the concrete area behind the benches before their next home game, sources tell FOX Sports.
Rams coach Jeff Fisher told reporters on Monday the team would discuss the situation with the NFL. Privately, the Rams have made it clear they're intent on either adding turf or another surface that provides better footing before the team's Nov. 15 game against the Chicago Bears at the Edward Jones Dome.
The surface near the stands is the same as it's been since the team began playing in the dome in 1995, though it's come under scrutiny after McCown and Bush slipped in consecutive weeks.
McCown hurt his shoulder last week when he collided with the wall underneath the elevated seats behind the visiting bench. On Sunday, Bush suffered a much more severe knee injury that is expected to end his season when his feet gave out from under him as he tried to slow his momentum.
The concrete surface is exposed because the turf that covers the field does not extend all the way to the wall where the lower bowl of seats begins.
It's unclear at this point what the exact solution to the problem will be, as multiple options are being discussed. The city of St. Louis owns the dome, so the Rams have to work in concert with local officials to make any changes.
The Rams have four more home games this season. It's possible they have only four more home games in St. Louis, period, as they're one of the teams in the running to move to Los Angeles. A vote on the move isn't expected until January at the earliest.
In the meantime, the Rams are making the necessary change to their home stadium to ensure safety for all players as they enter the bench area.
A source said the NFL is also taking a look at other stadiums that have hard surfaces like the concrete in St. Louis to see if any other changes need to be made. The NFL Players Association is also monitoring the situation.
