Roger Saffold sidelined with knee sprain in St. Louis

At least Sam Bradford wasn’t injured.

That is about all you can say this afternoon after the St. Louis Rams announced that Roger Saffold, the team’s second-round draft pick (No. 33 overall), has suffered a sprained knee and will be sidelined for the remainder of the team’s voluntary offseason workout program.

Saffold was drafted with a pick many experts thought the Rams would trade at the top of the second round on the start of the second day of the draft. But they identified the Indiana product as a player who could step in and contribute quickly – maybe immediately – to form book ends with Jason Smith, the second overall pick in the draft a year ago. Smith has been moved to left tackle and the plan is for Saffold to work at right tackle.

Now, the offense is down two offensive linemen. Left guard Jacob Bell underwent arthroscopic knee surgery during the middle of last month and the team announced at the time that he would be sidelined four to six weeks. That puts both Saffold and Bell on the field for the start of training camp. That’s a good thing because the last thing the Rams want is to start a season with Bradford behind a patchwork line.

Follow me on Twitter: BradBiggs