Mel Owens, 32, Former Starting Linebacker, Waived by the Rams

The Rams waived linebacker Mel Owens Thursday, ending his 10-year association with the team. Owens, a main cog of the Ram defense for much of the 1980s, suffered a herniated disk in his back in an exhibition game against the San Diego Chargers last year, was placed on injured reserve and never returned.

At the time of the injury, it was predicted that Owens probably would not play football again.

Owens, 32, a first-round pick--and ninth overall--out of Michigan in the 1981 draft, started 75 of 76 games from 1983 through ’87.

In other moves, the Rams signed two free agents, wide receiver Danny James and running back Ron Slack. Neither has NFL experience. The Rams are expected to announce the signing of punter Dale Hatcher today. Hatcher left the team as a Plan B free agent last season, then was released by the Green Bay Packers.

The Rams announced that they will hold two minicamps at Rams Park this month, with most players expected to attend. The first will be Monday through Thursday, the second April 23-26. The team also will have two minicamps in May.