LOS ANGELES_The first kicked ball sailed through the uprights. So did the next four, before one from nearly 50 yards just missed wide left.
It took all of three minutes during a field goal drill, but Los Angeles Rams kicker Greg Zuerlein showed during Saturday's practice at UC Irvine that his surgically repaired back and right leg are sound.
That qualified as a huge benchmark for Zuerlein and for a Rams team that is in the preseason Super Bowl conversation.
"Went well and had fun," said Zuerlein, coming off December surgery.
Zuerlein, a seventh-year pro, is arguably as important to the Rams' success as any of the team's stars on offense.
Despite being sidelined for the final two-regular season games and a playoff loss last season, Zuerlein scored a league-leading 158 points for a team that averaged a league-best 29.9 points a game and won the NFC West.
The kicker known as Legatron, Greg the Leg and Mr. Automatic made 38 of 40 field-goal attempts. He kicked seven field goals in a 35-30 victory at Dallas.
Coach Sean McVay said it "looked like the old Greg," after watching him Saturday.
"I don't think anybody really realizes, myself included, how much pain he was really fighting through and the production he was able to have last year," McVay said. "So I know that's a big weight off him."
The Rams re-signed kicker Sam Ficken as an insurance policy in case Zuerlein falters. But Zuerlein appears on track to return at full strength after being held out of most organized-team activities and then attempting a few kicks in noncompetitive situations during minicamp.
"I feel ready to go," said Zuerlein, who carries a salary-cap number of about $3.6 million according to overthecap.com. "It's process to get my kicking form back to where I need for games, but physically, I feel good.
"The craft right now is not ideally where you want it to be to hit the ball perfectly every time. But that's what camp's for, to get ready for the regular season."
Zuerlein, punter Johnny Hekker and kick returner Pharoh Cooper all were voted to the Pro Bowl last season. Long snapper Jake McQuaide also was selected.
Zuerlein's reliability makes it that much easier for McVay the play-caller because Zuerlein can be called upon once the Rams cross an opponent's 45-yard line. Zuerlein made six of seven attempts from 50 yards or farther last season.
"You certainly want to try and finish those drives with touchdowns," McVay said, "but when you have a guy like Greg that can hit from so far out consistently, it certainly is something that makes you feel good."
