Impending free agent WR Mark Clayton says he is "ahead of schedule" in his recovery from a torn right patellar tendon.

He also said he'd like to be a Ram long term, but no one is going to make a player coming off a patellar tendon rupture a lucrative commitment. Clayton's best bet would be to re-sign for a year and "rehab" his value by winning a starting job in training camp. Despite the 28-year-old's solid early-season production, the Rams won't overpay to bring him back.

Rams placed WR Mark Clayton on injured reserve with a torn patellar tendon in his right knee, ending his season.

Before tearing the tendon in Week 5, Clayton averaged six catches for 75 yards per game with two touchdowns in four weeks, emerging as Sam Bradford's go-to receiver. Clayton certainly was playing some of the best football of his life, but his quick emergence after a September 6 trade from Baltimore probably said more about the state of Bradford's "arsenal" than Clayton himself. He'll need reconstructive surgery, and is eligible for unrestricted free agency in 2011. The Rams will probably explore re-signing Clayton, but with a close eye on his recovery. It's no small injury for a receiver already lacking difference-making deep speed.

Mark Clayton's season-ending injury is a torn patella tendon in his right knee.

Clayton will need reconstructive surgery as he enters free agency this offseason. Considering he'll be heading into his age-29 season, that big contract he appeared destined for isn't going to happen. Clayton will likely end up with a "prove it" kind of deal.

ESPN's Mike Sando confirms that Mark Clayton's right knee injury is "serious."

Considering the on-field precautions taken after the injury happened (stretcher, air cast), we'd be surprised if Clayton played again this year. The Rams' offense went into the tank with Clayton out of the lineup, as Sam Bradford found no open receivers downfield. We should know more about Clayton's injury by Monday afternoon at the latest. He's likely going for an MRI.

Mark Clayton left Sunday's game in the first quarter on a stretcher after suffering a right knee injury.

Clayton ran a deep route down the left sideline with Alphonso Smith in coverage when his knee gave out. Non-contact injuries are never good, and the fact that Clayton didn't even try to get up and walk after sitting on the turf for several minutes is another bad sign. He's been declared out for the rest of the game. Brandon Gibson has entered opposite Laurent Robinson.

Coach Steve Spagnuolo came away from Sunday's victory particularly impressed by Mark Clayton's "great catches."

"Call him a gamer or call him a clutch performer, whatever you want," said Spags. "He runs great routes and the quarterback has a lot of confidence in him." Fourth in the NFL in receptions over 25 yards, Clayton has more than adequately replaced Donnie Avery as the downfield threat. He's a legit WR2 going forward.

WR Mark Clayton caught five balls for 72 yards, and rushed the ball on and end around for six yards in the Rams' Week 5 victory over the Seahawks.

Clayton is turning into a bonafide target hog in St. Louis. The ex-Raven saw rookie Sam Bradford throw him the ball 15 times, and is on pace for a career-high 88 catches for 1200 yards and eight scores. The WR3 should continue his renaissance season at Detroit in Week 5.

Mark Clayton snagged five balls for 85 yards in the Rams' Week 3 victory over the Redskins.

Yet another productive week for the Ravens cast-off. Clayton showed impressive athleticism on a late second-quarter catch near the goalline and remained a go-to target for fellow Oklahoma Sooner Sam Bradford all day long. He has 228 yards through two weeks and two touchdowns.

Rams WR Mark Clayton will be matched up against Raiders CB Nnamdi Asomugha in Sunday's game.

Justin Gage was held catch-less Week 1 going against Asomugha, so owners of Clayton should prepare themselves for a tough week. Clayton was QB Sam Bradford's favorite target Week 1, and it will be interesting to see how the team utilizes their new WR against Asomugha. Clayton is a must bench, but needs to be owned in 12-team formats.

Mark Clayton hauled in a career-high 10 passes for 119 yards Sunday in the Rams' Week 1 loss to the Cardinals.

Clayton barely saw reps with Sam Bradford when the two were at Oklahoma in the mid-2000s, but it didn't look that way on Sunday. Bradford clicked with Clayton immediately and targeted him throughout the day both on short and deep routes. He hauled in a circus-like 39-yard catch in the second quarter and tallied a 39-yard gain on 3rd-and-16 in the third quarter. 100-yard games won't come often, but Clayton looks like a nice waiver add in fantasy leagues.

Newly acquired Mark Clayton was installed Wednesday as the Rams' "Z" receiver -- Donnie Avery's old position.

It's the flanker spot, and Clayton's easiest route toward a starting job. If Clayton can nail down the position, he could begin cutting into Danny Amendola's offensive playing time as soon as Week 1. Clayton's quick move up the depth chart is bad news for Brandon Gibson and rookie Mardy Gilyard. It does confirm that split end Laurent Robinson's starting spot is safe.

Rams acquired WR Mark Clayton from the Ravens in exchange for future late-round "considerations."

The Ravens did well to get anything for Clayton, who was going to be cut before Week 1. He's suddenly on the fantasy radar in St. Louis. Laurent Robinson did little to distinguish himself as the supposed "No. 1" in camp, ending it with a mid-foot injury. Clayton will take time to learn the Rams' West Coast offense, but he's a player to monitor. Sam Bradford is coming along quickly, and Clayton may already be the team's top talent at outside receiver.

Ravens WR Mark Clayton is now on the trading block, according to beat writer Aaron Wilson.

Wilson says that if the Ravens can't trade Clayton, they will release him. Don't look for Clayton to garner much interest as he's disappointed ever since being selected in the first round of the 2005 draft. This news confirms that T.J. Houshmandzadeh is locked in as the No. 3 receiver and somewhat explains Housh's decision to sign in Baltimore. Still, Housh will struggle for targets in Baltimore barring an injury to Anquan Boldin or Derrick Mason.

Mark Clayton, not Donte' Stallworth, has been working as the Ravens' No. 3 receiver during the first two preseason games.

After a strong offseason, Stallworth had been the favorite to enter the season as third receiver. In fact, many believed he would push Derrick Mason into the slot in three-receiver packages. We expect Clayton and Stallworth to split production over the course of the season. This is a situation to avoid in 12-team leagues.

Mark Clayton made a beautiful 30 yard touchdown catch one-on-one against Panthers' CB Captain Munnerlyn.

Joe Flacco was 6-of-6 for 79 yards on the drive that was capped off by Clayton's grab. Clayton is fighting for a roster spot, and this won't hurt his case.

Mark Clayton is running with the first team offense with Derrick Mason nursing an ankle sprain.

"Mark's had a really good camp," coach John Harbaugh said. "He's caught the ball really well." Clayton has to impress over the next six weeks because the Ravens are now loaded at receiver, and he doesn't contribute on special teams. At least he's off to a positive start.

Mark Clayton (shoulder) returned to practice on Tuesday.

Clayton will be fighting for a roster spot this summer, so this is an important step for him. He believes the real test for his shoulder will be trying to get off press coverage in offseason practices.

Ravens re-signed restricted free agent Mark Clayton to a one-year, $2.5 million contract.

The Ravens didn't have to worry about him leaving on a first-round tender, but he's now squarely on the roster bubble after the team upgraded at the position. Recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, Clayton will have to earn a roster spot in training camp.

Ravens WR Mark Clayton is recovering from offseason shoulder surgery.

The procedure was "arthroscopic." Clayton is still not a full participant in early offseason workouts, which won't help his chances of making the team. He's on the roster bubble along with Demetrius Williams.

There is a chance that Mark Clayton and Demetrius Williams will be cut before Week 1, according to the Baltimore Sun.

The writing was on the wall for these two when the Ravens signed Donte Stallworth and Anquan Boldin. Pushed down to No. 4/5 on the depth chart, they are making too much money to be simple insurance. On top of that, they don't play special teams. At the very least, one of them will be shown the door.