Welker signs deal

ST. LOUIS — St. Louis signed wide receiver Wes Welker, hoping he can help them dig out of a third- down problem.

The Rams are 4 for 37 on third- down conversions over the past three games. They won the first two thanks to a stout defense that allowed just 12 points, but lost 21- 18 in overtime at Minnesota on Sunday.

Coach Jeff Fisher announced the signing during his news conference, at first saying the parties were negotiating, then getting the “thumbs up” from the front office. The Rams had the 34- yearold Wes Welker for a workout earlier in the day.

“He’s in outstanding shape,” Fisher said. “He’s moved the chains for two potential Hall of Fame quarterbacks.”

On the season, the Rams trail the NFL with a measly 23.8 percent conversion rate on third down.

The offense is ranked 31st overall and went without a first down its final 12 third- down opportunities against the Vikings.

Welker had 49 catches for a careerlow 9.5- yard average last year with Denver but became a free agent and has not played this season. He topped 100 receptions five of six seasons between 2006- 2012 but has a history of concussions.

Also, wide receiver Stedman Bailey has been suspended four games for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy.

Bailey served a two- game suspension for performance- enhancing drugs last season. He had two catches for 13 yards Sunday.

Bailey, in his third year out of West Virginia, has 12 receptions for 182 yards with 1 touchdown.

Last week, Rams running back Trey Watts was suspended indefinitely for violating the substance abuse policy as well.