Rams Waive Shooting Victim Stedman Bailey

The gradual climb back to the NFL has been slowed yet again for former Rams wide receiver Stedman Bailey, following news that the team waived him with the “non-football injury” designation on Tuesday.

After miraculously surviving two gunshots to the head during an assault in Miami last November, Bailey returned to his team – having since relocated from St. Louis to Los Angeles – in an attempt to get back into playing shape in time for the 2016 season.

Bailey spent a month in intensive care before being deemed healthy enough for release. Mere months after his medical clearance, he posted an offseason training video, running routes with speedy teammate Tavon Austin. Bailey didn’t appear too hampered, but it appears the Rams have seen enough of the third-rounder’s on-field product.

Horrific injury notwithstanding, Bailey had underperformed in his three years with the Rams. He had 59 receptions for four touchdowns in St. Louis, and was considered a long shot to make the final cut on a position group still desperate for depth. The Rams’ current receiving corps comprises of six mostly no-name veterans and another six rookies, most of them late round picks or undrafted signees.

But the news isn’t all bad for the embattled receiver. Should he clear waivers, Bailey is expected to rejoin the team in a non-football playing capacity, possibly as a spokesperson, member of the front office or assistant position coach.

Call it selfish, but we’re hoping Bailey doesn’t go anywhere, if only for the opportunity to hear more of his story told on the upcoming season of Hard Knocks. But Bailey’s desire to continue his playing career is infinitely more important, and hopefully he gets one more shot with a team interested in seeing just how capable he is at dealing with adversity and remaining undeterred.