Boller will start at QB vs. 49ers; CB Bartell might be out
It’ll be Boller, not Bulger; possibly King, not Bartell; and who knows between Lenon and Grant.
That’s where things stood Friday afternoon after the St. Louis Rams wrapped up their final practice in preparation for Sunday’s game at San Francisco.
Kyle Boller took all the snaps with the first team this week and will be the starting quarterback. Coach Steve Spagnuolo said Marc Bulger, who suffered a bruised rotator cuff in his right (throwing) shoulder Sunday vs. the Packers, would suit up only as the third quarterback. That means that rookie Keith Null will back up Boller.
Justin King was at cornerback with the first team Friday, with starter Ron Bartell doing only limited work. Bartell has had a sore thigh for about 10 days, and it tightened up this week, forcing him to cut back. King was the nickel back in the first three games. If Bartell can’t go, rookie Bradley Fletcher probably would man an outside spot in passing situations, with King moving inside to cover the slot receiver.
As for the starter at strongside linebacker — a job David Vobora held before being slapped this week with a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances — that determination hasn’t been made, Spagnuolo insisted. Earlier Friday, Grant’s agent, Nate Haber, wrote on Twitter that Lenon had beaten out his client.
“I know something’s been said, but nothing has been decided in that building (Rams Park),” a mildly irritated Spagnuolo said. “No decision has been decided. Two guys, two possibilities.”
Notes & quotes:
*On the week’s final injury report, S James Butler (knee) is listed as “out,” RT Jason Smith (knee) as “doubtful,” Bulger and Bartell as “questionable,” and LT Alex Barron (thigh) as “probable.”
*WR Laurent Robinson was on crutches when he visited the locker room Friday. Robinson, who is done for the year after suffering leg and ankle injuries Sunday, has yet to undergo surgery.
*Gusty winds buffeted the practice fields Friday, all the better preparation for the possible conditions at Candlestick Park. “We ordered the wind in so we could have a realistic approach,” Spagnuolo quipped. “You saw all the fans on the roof up there.”
*P Donnie Jones has averaged 50 yards or more in 16 of his 35 games with the Rams.
All for now…
Too bad Chris Long is playing.I predict another 2 tackle no sack performance by “The Invisible Man”
It’s not the lack of effort the Rams have no talent, most of the players on this team suck……..
The Heckler…
I suck for sure
No, I suck for more sure.
The Heckler…
Get a life Rich. It seems to me like your goal in life is to be the first one to comment on every Rams story with something negative to say about Chris Long. If you’re going to be such a hater, get off the Rams’ bus. The rest of us REAL fans DON’T LIKE YOU!
Rich, quit your lame bashing of Chris Long, that is all you ever do on your comments. He is still young and learning, and frankly is better than any of the other defensive players that were taken in the top ten in 2008. Only Matt Ryan has had a bigger impact, and that is only because he landed on a better team. So knock it off!
Chris Long will be fine. He’s a fine athlete who moves well to the ball. He doesn’t have alot of help around him, but he’s still never very far from the ball. And he’s been able to stay healthy while others around him are going down. We can’t expect him to be his father, but he’ll be a damn good player in a couple of years. Drafting him was no mistake. This team may suck right now, but their defense is getting better and in two years they’ll be competative. Just wait. You’ll see.
Yep, Rich is a troll. Too bad he didn’t know that Long leads ALL d-linemen in tackles so far this year. I guess that means Little is a bust too. Hmm.
preface: I’ve watched the Rams for 30yrs…
But this comment can go for any NFL team… I didn’t like the C. Long draft either, he got cash b/c of his pop (great player) but give the guy a chance I say… If only due to the fact the winning breads spirit and the team has none… if Boller gets into the huddle and commands with attitude/confidence… the whole team with come alive and individuals (C. Long) will start to shine… Boller doesn’t even have to get a TD on the 1st drive, just a few 1st downs… And you’ll see a change in the OLine, Dline.. CB play…
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again… Mike Martz may not have been a great Hcoach but he believe he could WIN… That’s why Bulger should not be given a 2nd change to hurt this team… Bulger is NOT a leader.. he maybe an Good statue QB.. but he doesn’t command the the team…. he doesn’t get mad at himself or players mistakes… I don’t think it’s fair to indict the whole team due to cancer from the top….
If Farve had a chance with this team we’d be 2-1 right now…. even thou Farve would miss it up in the playoffs… the fact remains that everyone will pick it up when the General believes the team can still win….
What about Quincy Butler getting more time? It would be great to see more players who lit it up during preseason get more playing.