"Last year, prior to the start of the team's first offseason conditioning program under coach Steve Spagnuolo, the Rams did not send letters to tackle Orlando Pace and wide receiver Torry Holt requesting their participation.

Pace ended up being released March 10 and Holt three days later. So it was that the Rams began their conditioning program Monday, and quarterback Marc Bulger was present.

Since the end of the regular season, and throughout the ensuing two-plus months, whenever Spagnuolo and general manager Billy Devaney have been asked about Bulger's status, they have continually stated that Bulger is under contract and on the roster. And that's the way it remains.

Of course, most of what is being done in these sessions is conditioning and weightlifting. On-field activities won't begin until May, and the absence of a salary cap creates no urgency to settle Bulger's status at this time.

It still seems unlikely Bulger will return with his $8.5 million salary for 2010. However, if in the next five weeks, the Rams elect not to draft quarterback Sam Bradford, plans could be altered.

Donnie Avery, the only wide receiver on the roster at the end of the season that was with the team in training camp, reported to workouts about 14 pounds heavier than his playing weight.

In addition to working out in the Houston area, Avery told the team's website he started eating healthier and eliminated red meat from his diet.

Said Avery, "Coach told me he wanted me to come back healthier and stronger and heavier. I think I'm getting bigger, eating healthier and working harder in the weight room and it should help get rid of some of those injuries I've had.""