Jeff Fisher: Michael Sam won't be judged on special teams work

St. Louis Rams coach Jeff Fisher said Tuesday that though Michael Sam has done some work on special teams, the defensive end will solely be evaluated on his performance on defense as he attempts to become the first openly gay player to make an NFL roster.

St. Louis Rams coach Jeff Fisher said Tuesday that though Michael Sam has done some work on special teams, the defensive end will solely be evaluated on his performance on defense as he attempts to become the first openly gay player to make an NFL roster. 

Sam survived the first round of roster cuts Tuesday, but the Rams must still whittle it down from 75 players to 53 by Saturday. 

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"It's rare that you get a defensive end that's going to go out and contribute on all four of your core special teams," Fisher said, according to ESPN. "So special teams is not part of the equation for Mike."

Sam has five tackles and three sacks through three preseason games with St. Louis, including a highly-publicized sack of Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel. 

The Rams' final preseason game is Thursday night in Miami. 

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One of Sam's competitors for a spot on the team is undrafted rookie Ethan Westbrooks, and Fisher would not tip his hand towards who might be ahead in that race. 

"I think they're both doing well right now," he said. "No different than any other positional races on this football team. They're both doing well. You know me, I'm not going to say who's one or who's two."

NFL teams have until 4 p.m. ET Saturday to set their 53-man roster.

- Molly Geary