Adam

Goldberg

The exclusive rights free agent will battle with former Eagle Artis Hicks for a starting position. He’s currently out with a hamstring injury.

Goldberg was a 38-game starter in St. Louis the past three years, but that was the result of desperation rather than design. He’s best suited to a backup role.

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.

This is Smith’s third concussion in three seasons. He’s only missed one game so far, but it looks like a multi-week absence. Adam Goldberg is filling in.

Goldberg’s injuries are not believed to be serious.

His return is officially questionable. The No. 2 pick of the 2009 draft has been replaced by Adam Goldberg, which is not good news for a Rams line that was already having trouble protecting Sam Bradford this afternoon.

Smith picked up a pair of 15-yard unnecessary roughness penalties and gave up a sack to Cory Redding. He was replaced by Adam Goldberg in the fourth quarter. The 2009 No. 2 overall pick figures to be back in the starting lineup next week, but has a long way to go to be a difference-maker.

“It’s something that I’ve been prepared to do for a long time,” Goldberg said. “I’ve been playing with these guys for a couple years now. Hopefully this will help us be successful and get out of the rut we’ve been in.”

Goldberg had a shot to be back before Week 10, but wasn’t a good enough player to keep around. Fakhir Brown will be activated from the suspended list to take his spot on the roster. Goldberg will be a free agent in 2008.

Goldberg won’t need surgery. St. Louis is now down to its fourth right tackle, most likely former Cardinal and one-time Patriots starter Brandon Gorin.