At the end of practice today — Veterans Day — the St. Louis Rams players and coaches huddled, took a knee, heard a few words from safety Oshiomogho Atogwe, then, heads bowed, paused for a moment of silence.

“The team was just really saying a prayer and thanks for the veterans, not only the ones in the past but the troops that are over there fighting for us now,” coach Steve Spagnuolo said. “O.J. shared with the team. I thought it was pretty good. We do appreciate everything the troops are doing right now.”

“I think it’s important to honor the men and the women who protect our freedom — our earthly freedoms on a daily basis,” Atogwe explained afterward. “We just said a prayer for them and just gave them thanks.”

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Fun fact : The Rams are the first team in NFL history to play three consecutive home games against undefeated teams. The Vikings (7-1 now) were 4-0 when they visited the Edward Jones Dome on Oct. 11; the Colts and Saints are both 8-0, the league’s last remaining unbeatens.

Notes & quotes:

*Only G Richie Incognito (foot) missed practice. He worked on the side with strength coach Rock Gullickson. DE C.J. Ah You (ankle) was listed as “limited” on the injury report, although he took part in virtually all the drills and is expected to be ready for Sunday’s game vs. the Saints.

*WR Brandon Gibson, who has dressed just once and is yet to catch a pass since being acquired Oct. 20 from the Eagles for LB Will Witherspoon, took a number of reps with the first team.

*TE Billy Bajema, coming off a two-catch outing at Detroit, also got extended work with the “ones.”

*CB Ron Bartell reports that after the bye week, his sore thigh — a problem for nearly two months now — is finally coming around. “This is the best I’ve felt in weeks,” he said.

*This week’s captains are fullback Mike Karney (offense), Atogwe (defense) and safety Craig Dahl (special teams).

All for now…