Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
Keeping Orlando Pace healthy ranked among the Rams' top priorities this season. It's looking like most of us overestimated the impact Pace could have on the Rams' offense.
St. Louis won the only game Pace missed this season, shocking the Cowboys, 34-14. The team is 1-8 when Pace plays. This team's problems go far beyond any one player, in other words.
With the Rams spiraling toward oblivion and Pace having suffered a sprained medial-collateral knee ligament Sunday, the Rams are deciding whether to place the former perennial Pro Bowl tackle on injured reserve. Coach Jim Haslett told reporters he plans to talk it over with Pace.
Pace remains under contract to the Rams through the 2011 season at salaries of $5.975 million, $7.175 million and $8.375 million. He recently turned 33 years old and he hasn't played more than nine games in a season since 2005. His latest injury could sideline him for a month. The team needs to consider drafting a left tackle even if Pace figures into its long-term plans.
Sando joined ESPN.com in 2007 after nine seasons covering the Seattle Seahawks for the Tacoma (Wash.) News Tribune. He lives in the Seattle-Tacoma area with his wife and two sons.
