Possible franchise move has Rams players on alert

ST. LOUIS – Jeff Fisher maintains it’s just another game. And no, he’s not following the relocation saga.

“I’d have a hard time doing that on a normal week, let alone a short week,” the St. Louis Rams coach said.

Others on the team aren’t shying away from the emotions attached to the home finale Thursday night against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They realize full well it could also be the final game for the franchise in St. Louis after 21 seasons.

Just like the Cardinals after 1987 before moving to Arizona – Neil Lomax, Roy Green, J.T. Smith and the rest – they could all be traded to another city.

Middle linebacker James Laurinaitis gets quizzed constantly by family members and friends who want the insider information whether he’ll be playing in Los Angeles next season. He has empathy for a frustrated, dwindling fan base.

“It’s kind of uncomfortable for everybody,” Laurinaitis said. “I’m not very good at things I can’t control, I’ve struggled with that my whole life, and this is one of those things.”

This is Laurinaitis’ seventh season in St. Louis. Defensive end Chris Long has the longest tenure on the team, finishing his eighth season without a winning record, let alone a sniff at the playoffs.

“I’m appreciative of this place and I’ll play as hard as I can,” Long said. “You never know, you just never know. As we’ve done all year, you have to worry about doing our jobs and handling what we can control.”

That’s easier for those with less standing.

Quarterback Case Keenum pointed out last week’s 21-14 slump-busting victory over the Detroit Lions was his first start in St. Louis. He’s been on the hurry-up preparing for this game, although he’s not above judging the head-to-toe yellow uniforms the Rams will be wearing.

“I’m excited it’s on national television and we’ve got some colorful jerseys, so it should be a fun time,” Keenum said.