Rams center out for season with knee injury

ST. LOUIS (AP) - St. Louis Rams center Andy McCollum will miss the rest of the season with two torn ligaments in his left knee.

McCollum, a 13-year veteran who made his 156th consecutive start in Sunday’s 18-10 victory over the Denver Broncos, will undergo surgery in a few weeks for torn ACL and MCL ligaments.

"It’s tough," Coach Scott Linehan said. "He was playing real well. It’s the unfortunate part of our game."

McCollum, 36, was injured on a pass play in the second quarter when he got turned with his back to the line and a Denver player fell into his legs. Larry Turner, a seventh-round pick in 2004, finished the game at center.

McCollum walked off the field after receiving medical attention, and the team initially diagnosed the injury as a sprain. An MRI yesterday revealed much more extensive damage.

Linehan said the Rams would look at alternatives the next few days but that otherwise Turner would start Sunday at San Francisco. Turner allowed a sack, but Linehan said he played better as the game progressed.

"He showed that he’s very capable," Linehan said.

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