NFL
Rams' Turley could miss 2004 season
By The Source
Aug 25, 2004

Macomb, IL (Sports Network) - It appears that St. Louis Rams offensive tackle Kyle Turley will not be able to shake a nagging back injury and could miss the entire 2004 season.

According to Wednesday's edition of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Turley apparently suffered a herniated disc during training camp practice in late July.

Turley, who already underwent surgery on his back last year, hasn't joined his teammates since the recent problem. He has dropped about 30 pounds with the lack of weight lifting and training.

The 28-year-old San Diego State product has two options for 2004. Turley could either have treatment via epidural injection or opt for season-ending surgery.

The Rams acquired Turley from New Orleans prior to the 2003 season in exchange for a second-round pick in this year's NFL Draft. Turley started all 16 games during his first year with St. Louis.

Turley is best known for his extensive tattoos and tossing the helmet of New York Jets safety Damien Robinson in 2002. After Robinson grabbed the face mask of Saints quarterback Aaron Brooks and twisted it, Turley ripped Robinson's helmet off and threw it downfield.