Scott Wells Headed to New IR and St. Louis Rams Hopeful for Week 8 Return

Whichever way you spin it, Sunday ended up being a disastrous day for St. Louis Rams offensive linemen.

As if losing their starting left tackle to a neck injury isn't bad enough, the Rams also lost their prized offseason acquisition, Scott Wells, to a fractured metatarsal in his left foot. 

The injury will cost him at least six games because of the new injured reserve rules. The new rule states that Wells can return to practice as early as Week 6, yet his first game can't come until Week 8. A fractured metatarsal requires surgery, and the recovery timetable varies based on which metatarsal he broke.

Hakeem Nicks returned to action after 12 weeks of rehab when he broke his fifth metatarsal. St. Louis is hoping Wells can return right at that Week 8 point when he is eligible, but that might be a little optimistic by the sound of it.

Coach Jeff Fisher was encouraged by what he saw and what the doctors had to say about the break, per the team's official website: "That’s estimated time, but each one is different. This one is not as severe as some that the doctors have seen. It’s a clean break and it’s a simple procedure."

Regardless, it's unfortunate that two-fifths of the Rams offensive line is already down after one week. Look for Wayne Hunter to take the first-team reps at left tackle with Rodger Saffold out. Rok Watkins will start at left guard, and Robert Turner will start in place of Wells at center.

Arizona Cardinals

Bob McManaman of AZCentral.com talks about Ken Whisenhunt and how he is iffy about the officiating gaffe at the end of Sunday's game.

Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report looks at John Skelton's injury and breaks down what it really means for the Arizona Cardinals. 

San Francisco 49ers

Andy Liu of Bleacher Report examines Jim Harbaugh and asks just how good he is.

James Brady of SBNation.com previews Harbaugh vs. Schwartz II. 

Seattle Seahawks 

Eric D. Williams of The Bellingham Herald gives updates on Russell Okung and the latest injury news. 

John McGrath of The News Tribune reports on coach Pete Carroll and Russell Wilson. 

St. Louis Rams

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says the glitch in time by the clock operator gave the Lions too much time on their final drive. 

Matthew Melton of Bleacher Report breaks down the biggest winners and losers from the Rams' Week 1 game. 

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