Thompson Hoping to Make Roster Despite Injury

Posted by Matt Loede on August 21st, 2007 filed in Features

 

Rams wide reciever Dominique Thompson is hoping that a rib injury suffered in the preseason opener vs the Vikings on August 10th is not the last thing about his career that is memorable.  Thompson, who has worked very hard trying to make his mark and make the Rams roster, was left with two displaced ribs after taking a shot from Vikings safety Mike Doss.  “He had a clear shot at my ribs,” Thompson said. “I don’t have any hard feelings. But I didn’t see it all. I didn’t see him coming at all.”

Thompson has spent the last two seasons on the Rams practice squad, and was actually called up for four games back in 2005 and caught one pass.  He was playing well and looked like a roster spot might be in sight this past training camp before he was injured after the hit from Doss.  Now he is simply working hard to get back on the field to show the coaches that he can make it as a wide out in the NFL.

“I feel like I am a better receiver, for the simple fact that I have a better feel for the routes,” Thompson said earlier in camp. “I understand the offense a lot better, so I know where I need to be on certain plays. I understand hot routes off of blitzes and everything. So I just feel more comfortable with my receiver play.”

Monday he was able to take the field with the red “non-contact” jersey, but until he can start taking hits again when making catches, it seems evident he is going to be a longshot to make the active roster.  “I don’t think any player wants to know or hear that they’re injured, and may be out for some time,” Thompson said. “But I’m just going to try to do what I can to rehab, and get back as soon as possible.”