PRO FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : RAMS : Kinchen to Have Reconstructive Surgery

Starting cornerback Todd Lyght underwent arthroscopic surgery Monday to repair cartilage damage in his left knee, and wide receiver Todd Kinchen is expected to have reconstructive surgery on a torn medial collateral ligament on his left knee today, Coach Chuck Knox said Monday.

Lyght suffered a bruised knee against Atlanta Nov. 14 and re-injured it during warm-ups before Sunday’s 10-6 Ram victory over Washington. Lyght probably will be sidelined for the season.

Kinchen, who underwent surgery last spring after suffering a knee injury while playing basketball, was injured while covering on a first-quarter punt against the Redskins. Kinchen and defensive end Robert Young, who underwent knee surgery last week, might be placed on the injured reserve list this week.

In the past two weeks, the Rams have lost six key players to knee injuries--Lyght, Kinchen, Young, guard Tom Newberry (out two weeks), cornerback Robert Bailey (four to six weeks) and wide receiver Ernie Jones (out last two games). As of Monday, a total of 25 games have been missed by nine Ram players with knee injuries.

*

Knox said the Rams expect to try out several defensive backs, defensive linemen and wide receivers this week because of injuries at those positions. They also might promote wide receiver Richard Buchanan from the practice squad.

Knox said he expects Newberry to return this week and offensive tackle Jackie Slater “could be ready.”

*

Michael Stewart’s interception against the Redskins was the first for the strong safety since Dec. 8, 1991, against Atlanta. . . . Tony Zendejas’ NFL-record streak of 11 consecutive field goals from 50 yards or more ended when he missed a 50-yarder in the second quarter against the Redskins.