Derek

Stanley

Stanley had four catches for 61 yards, a punt return for 11 yards and two kickoff returns for 41 yards in the preseason opener on Saturday. He’s also been making a lot of big plays at practice. He is fighting Marques Hagans and Dominique Thompson (broken ribs) for the Rams’ final WR spot.

The 5-9/178-pounder from UW-Whitewater will be tried on returns in camp. He’s battling Marques Hagans and Dominique Thompson to be St. Louis’ sixth WR, but the Rams could easily stay with five after acquiring Dante Hall.

Stanley and Thompson lost out on a roster bid to Marques Hagans.

The Rams are going with just two active quarterbacks after waiving Berlin and dealing Ryan Fitzpatrick. Stanley has potential but is on the small side.

The slight but speedy rookie from UW-Whitewater could return kicks against the Packers with Brandon Williams (sprained ankle) having been ruled out.

Robinson, the No. 75 overall pick in ’07, caught 37 balls in a promising rookie year but missed most of last season with head and hamstring injuries. He has 4.3 speed and good size (6'2/195), and will get a chance to start in St. Louis. Donnie Avery is locked into a first-team job, so Robinson, Derek Stanley, and Keenan Burton will vie in training camp for the other position.

Stanley’s quick recovery bodes well for his chances of landing a roster spot. He’s in the mix to be St. Louis’ fourth receiver and has added return value.

Burton is directly behind Robinson, with Derek Stanley behind Donnie Avery at split end. Ronald Curry, rookie Brooks Foster, and Tim Carter all are bunched together on the third team. Robinson is someone to start seriously considering late in drafts. He appears to have a firm hold on a starting job.

A seventh-round pick in 2007, Stanley just hasn’t been durable enough from week to week. Danny Amendola, who has a history with coordinator Pat Shurmur, will replace him on punt returns and as the fifth receiver.

Stanley can fly, but is probably too small to have a future in the league. Macklin’s time may be just about up. Ball is a practice squad option.