The upset would've been had Sam Bradford NOT been named the opening day starter for the Rams. The only suspense was when coach Steve Spagnuolo would make the announcement.

That came early Saturday afternoon, following a light practice by the team at Rams Park.

"I did talk to the quarterbacks this morning and visited with the team, we will start Sam Bradford against Arizona," coach Steve Spagnuolo said. "We're confident (in Bradford) _ the staff's confident, the team's confident. It's well-deserved. He deserves this opportunity."

Spagnuolo also announced that the team had released quarterback Keith Null, opting to keep undrafted rookie Thaddeus Lewis as the No. 3 QB behind Bradford and A.J. Feeley.

"Obviously I'm excited," Bradford said of his starting designation. "I feel like Coach has given me a great opportunity here to start next week vs. Arizona, but I realize that there's a lot of responsibility that comes with that opportunity."

The team also placed safety Kevin Payne and offensive tackle Eric Young on injured reserve with knee injuries, which freed up a couple roster spaces.

According to league sources, the Rams also have cut LB Cardia Jackson, DT Ernest Reid, and OG Roger Allen III. Coupled with the six cuts made Friday, the Rams have freed up 12 roster spots via cuts or IR designations. They still have 10 cuts to make before reaching the final 53 by early Saturday evening.