Romberg has the Rams running in sand

If the Rams have fewer ankle injuries this season, they’ll have center Brett Romberg to thank.

Romberg convinced the Rams to build a 50-yard long by 8-yard wide outdoor sand pit at Rams Park. The logic behind the pit is that running in sand will build up ankle and leg strength, which will lead to fewer injuries.

Romberg said he and his teammates often ran in a sand pit at the University of Miami.

“I keep getting blamed for the sand pit thing,’’ Romberg said. “It’s just something we used a lot in Miami and I never heard of high ankle sprains or saw any high ankle sprains. I just thought it might be a little bit help.’’

Romberg, who played in only two of the Rams’ final nine games last season after spraining both of his ankles, said he and his teammates have spent a lot of time in the sand this spring.

“We’re in it just about every day, to tell you the truth, when we’re doing the conditioning and doing the offseason workouts,’’ Romberg said. “Pulling sleds, doing agility drills, it’s nothing that people look forward to, but the work will pay off.’’

After having their offensive line decimated by injuries last season — four offensive linemen ended the season on injured reserve — the Rams are willing to try something a little unconventional when it comes to injury prevention.

Romberg said new offensive line coach Steve Loney has stressed that injuries will not be an excuse for the offensive line under performing.

“The first thing he told me and the first thing he told the group as a group was that injuries are no longer an excuse for what is going to happen here,’’ Romberg said. “No longer will we be the Achilles’ heel to this football team.’’

Romberg was a free agent for about three weeks this winter. He ended up signing a one-year deal for the veteran’s minimum to return to the Rams.

“At one point, I didn’t think I was going to come back here,’’ Romberg said. “Obviously, the opportunity arose. I wanted to get back here personally. I felt like I had a lot of unfinished business here. I love my teammates here. I definitely wanted to come back.’’

Romberg will be battling Richie Incognito for the starting job in training camp. Romberg was working with the starters, while Incognito was working with the second unit last Thursday during OTAs.

(korte blog)