After Year’s Absence, Hatcher Returns as the Rams’ Punter

As expected, the Rams announced the signing of punter Dale Hatcher Friday. Hatcher, who was drafted by the Rams in 1985, left as a Plan B free agent before last season but was cut by the Green Bay Packers in training camp. In his Ram career Hatcher, 28, made the Pro Bowl as a rookie but saw his average decline to 38.8 yards a punt in 1989. The Rams were unhappy with the play of Keith English, their punter last season, who averaged 39.2 yards a kick.

The Rams also signed two other free agents--6-foot-5 wide receiver Jarrod Delaney, who spent 1989 with the Minnesota Vikings, and offensive tackle David McKinnon, 6-5 and 280 pounds, out of Cal State Long Beach and Fullerton High.