The St. Louis Rams announced Friday that they have placed defensive tackle Chris Hovan on injured reserve, ending his season.
Hovan, 32, was nagged by persistent back pain in camp. The 11th-year veteran signed with the Rams as a free agent two months ago. Hovan was released by the Bucs in late April after a poor season. As the nose tackle in the Bucs’ Tampa Two scheme, Hovan was supposed to be the team’s top run defender. The Bucs ranked dead last in the league in run defense.
If Hovan overcomes the back problems later on, he could be released with an injury settlement and sign elsewhere.
The Rams will move forward with Gary Gibson, Dorell Scott, and swing end-tackle Victor Adeyanju behind projected starters Clifton Ryan and Fred Robbins.