Harvey

Dahl

Center Jason Brown, benched a couple of weeks ago, will move to right guard while journeyman liability Adam Goldberg takes over on Sam Bradford’s blindside. St. Louis’ offensive line has been among the league’s leakiest all season, and it’s about to get even worse.

Dahl will be placed on season-ending injured reserve, and head coach Jeff Fisher said that either Shelley Smith or Chris Williams will start at right guard for the final two weeks. Pro Football Focus graded Dahl out as an above-average guard this season, and he is signed through 2014.

Dahl was given a three- to four-month timeline after going on injured reserve in December. Even if he’s not ready for OTAs, he’ll be 100 percent for training camp. Signed for a reasonable $4 million between salary and bonuses in 2013, Dahl will be back as the Rams’ right guard.

It’s terrible news for a Rams’ offensive line that’s been inept most of the season, but particularly so in Sunday’s loss. The missed games will be Dahl’s first since he signed with the Rams in 2010. Dahl entered Week 15 as a top-30 guard in Pro Football Focus’ ratings. It’s unclear how the Rams will shuffle their line in his absence.

The injury was initially described as being to Dahl’s elbow. Regardless, he is lost for the season’s remainder. We’ll take a look at one of the younger guys up front at the guard spot,” coach Jeff Fisher said. Look for Dahl to be placed on the injured reserve list early this week.

Dahl was cleared for action about three weeks ago and participated in last weekend’s minicamp. A healthy Dahl is good news for Michael Turner.

It’s “just a cleanup procedure.” Dahl turns 33 this June and is owed $4 million in combined salary and bonuses. He’s a candidate for offseason release.

The Rams currently aren’t working with much cap room, but could clear $13-15 million by making these three moves. Of course, cutting both Dahl and Wells would create five question marks on the offensive line, with no starting-caliber player at left guard, LT Jake Long coming off ACL surgery, and RT Rodger Saffold a free agent. Cutting Finnegan would save $4 million in cap space.

Dahl, 33, was cut in March in a cap move. He underwent ankle and hip surgeries following the season, with the hip rehab being the most extensive. It sounds like Dahl still may not be recovered. He’d be a backup if re-signed.

Dahl, 33 in June, was one of many free-agent offensive line flops signed by the Rams over the past several years. His release saves $4 million in cap space. St. Louis now appears to be eyeing Geoff Schwartz to upgrade at right guard. Dahl may draw interest as a reserve, assuming he plans to keep playing.