Rams TE Lance Kendricks could get bigger role

Rams TE Lance Kendricks needs to step it up with Danny Amendola sidelined with an injury, coach Jeff Fisher says. (US Presswire)

Coach Jeff Fisher says it's not only Rams wideouts who must contribute more now that leading receiver Danny Amendola is out at least a month with a separated SC joint.

“That can include the tight ends as well,” he said.

Starter Lance Kendricks who caught a 7-yard touchdown in last week's win over Arizona, seems primed for more opportunities. The 6-3, 247-pounder has flashed a lot of playmaking ability since he was drafted 47th overall in 2011, but also has been plagued by drops.

Last year he was slowed by a sprained foot. This season “he's been playing very well," Fisher told the Post-Dispatch.

"His blocking, I think that goes unnoticed. But I was happy that he was able to make that (touchdown) catch. He made a big catch for us (against Seattle) to keep a drive alive down the middle part of the field, so he's coming on. Rob (tight end coach Rob Boras) is working with him, doing a good job with him. It's hard to take him off the field because of his ability."

Kendricks said he has no problem with all the blocking he's done this season. With the offensive line battered by injuries, Kendricks has been asked to protect Sam Bradford instead of running routes.

Still, Kendricks ranks third on the team with 10 catches, behind Brandon Gibson (13) and Amendola (32).

The line appears to be stabilizing, meaning Kendricks could get more targets.

"It'll come,” he told the paper about his pass-catching opportunities. “We've got a ton of season left. I'm not worried about that."

Get more Rams updates and analysis from Larry Hartstein @CBSRams.