Rams sign Wes Welker, hoping to improve 3rd-down production

ST. LOUIS (AP) — The St. Louis Rams 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 the last three games. They won the first two thanks to a stout defense that permitted 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-year-old Wes Welker for a workout earlier in the day.

Welker had 49 catches for a career-low 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 and 2012 but has a history of concussion.