ST. LOUIS (AP) - First-round pick Robert Quinn was treated like just another rookie Friday night after his first full contact practice with the St. Louis Rams.
The defensive end had to carry five sets of shoulder pads off the field at the end of the session, along with an extra helmet, all courtesy of his fellow linemen, who forced him into the role of equipment runner.
Quinn says his teammates wanted to show him that he is "still a pup."
But he's an important pup, one that is expected to become an important part of the St. Louis defense.
The 6-foot-4-inch 265-pound Quinn was held out of any serious work during the first four practices while recovering from a knee injury suffered working out on his own in June. He signed a four-year contract Saturday and was immediately placed on the Physically Unable To Perform list.
The former North Carolina standout was finally cut loose on Thursday and had his first contact work during Friday's 2-hour, 45-minute practice.
"This was the first real hard practice, pushing off and everything and I felt great," Quinn said. "I'm just trying to knock this rust off and get to playing some football."
Quinn is working hard to get back into a football mindset. He was suspended during his junior season at North Carolina for receiving improper benefits.
Quinn took part in about a dozen plays during 11-on-11 drills. He also showed some quickness in drills with the defensive line.