Brady

Poppinga

It’s an amazing recovery for a second-year player recovering from a torn ACL. It also says a lot about Ben Taylor, who has disappointed this summer.

“Football is my profession and I take it seriously. It’s an art form. It’s technical, strategic and takes a lot of intelligence to play,” said Poppinga. “When this came out, it started to confirm the idea that football guys are idiots. That’s not who we are. ... It’s a huge problem in society not knowing how to compete with the right perspective.” The comments could hurt Poppinga’s chances of re-signing with the Rams.

Kehl was set to test the ankle today but apparently couldn’t put enough pressure on it to be available for Sunday. Brady Poppinga is expected to start in a linebacker group that features a host of BYU and Ohio State connections in Kehl, Poppinga, and James Laurinaitis.

Poppinga has been out of the league since appearing in 15 games for the Rams last season. The veteran has 56 starts under his belt, but also hasn’t shown he’s over a 2010 ACL tear. Poppinga will be depth for the Cowboys after they placed Bruce Carter (elbow) on injured reserve Monday.

Poppinga went down in the second quarter and was replaced by Bryan Kehl. After yesterday’s debacle, the Rams are giving up a league-worst 183.8 yards per game on the ground.

It’s a big surprise considering the Packers have talked up Jones after he started eight games as a rookie. The team is apparently fine with a competition between Poppinga and Jones, because they haven’t addressed the position at all this offseason. It could end up as their primary defensive weak point.

The Packers have open spots at linebackers, but none of their rookies are making a big impression thus far.

The deal should be for four years and roughly $1.8 million. He will most likely be used as a pass rush specialist.

Set to earn $1.9 million this season, Poppinga is a clear cut backup and has no obvious fit in Dom Capers’ new 3-4 defense.