Staying one step ahead of desperation, the Los Angeles Rams singed free-agent center Navy Tuiasosopo Thursday to bolster an offensive line that's missing five veterans.

Tuiasosopo, a Utah State product who played for the Rams' replacement team during the 1987 players strike, gives the Rams another lineman for practice and for their preseason opener Aug. 5 in Tokyo.Tuiasosopo can play center or guard, depending on the Rams' needs in the next 10 days.

How badly Tuiasosopo is needed will depend on whether any of the four unsigned linemen agree to terms before the team leaves for Tokyo Monday.

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