Rams put padding over concrete after two players hurt while slipping

ST. LOUIS -- After two players in as many weeks suffered injuries while running on to the concrete surrounding the Edward Jones Dome field, the Rams and the stadium authority took steps to prevent further issues before Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears.

Earlier this week, Rams coach Jeff Fisher said he expected the 120-yard concrete stretch from end zone end line to end zone end line behind each team's bench to be covered with "some type of surface."

That was the case by Sunday morning, as blue rubber padding now covers the entire concrete area.

San Francisco 49ers running back Reggie Bush and Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh McCown were hurt in back-to-back weeks in the Rams' past two home games after struggling to stop their momentum on the concrete.

Bush reportedly plans to sue the St. Louis Regional Convention and Sports Complex Authority for damages after he suffered a season-ending knee injury on Nov. 1 when he slipped on the concrete.

McCown suffered a shoulder injury the previous week when he couldn't slow down on the concrete and ran into the wall surrounding the field. He continued playing.

On the heels of both injuries, Fisher said the Rams were in discussions with the league but also pointed out that the concrete had been in place for years without any issues.

"This is their deal," Fisher said on Nov. 2. "Player safety is of the utmost importance, so we don't want to have any issues. We're going to do whatever we need to do to make sure we don't have an issue with it."