Kyle

Turley

Turley has two options: treatment through epidural injection, or another operation. His agent says they will come to a resolution soon, but Turley looks unlikely to play this season either way. The Rams O-line is in big trouble.

“I want to be able to pick up my kids when I’m 40 years old and carry them around.” The Rams will miss Turley and center Dave Wohlabaugh this season.

Willie Roaf is expected to retire. Kevin Sampson emerged as the favorite at right tackle in minicamps.

Turley, 30, hasn’t played since experiencing back troubles in 2003 and will undergo an extensive physical Monday. Despite previous reports predicting he would make his comeback at tight end, Turley is expected to serve strictly as an offensive tackle in Kansas City, where he’ll compete with John Welbourn to start on the right side.

The Chiefs have been rumored to be close to signing the tackle converting to tight end for weeks. Denver is thin at the tight end position.

That should give the ex-Ram enough time to add weight and become a real option to replace Willie Roaf on the left side or compete at right tackle in 2007.

Turley needs to bulk up from his current weight of 275 pounds. But the team isn’t thrilled with the play of John Welbourne on the right side and Turley can provide insurance if Willie Roaf is hurt again. It’s a worthwhile gamble for an aging O-line.

Schefter reports a deal could happen soon. Turley will start out as a blocking tight end in Kansas City and, if he adds weight, could help at his natural tackle position down the road.

Turley would likely resume his NFL career as a tight end and could eventually move to left tackle, where Kansas City needs a long-term replacement for Willie Roaf.

Turley injured his surgically repaired back in practice on July 31. The Rams signed Greg Randall to replace him.