http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/rams-report/rams-escape-defensive-battle-with—win-over-niners/article_8a11e301-e871-58cc-b708-6d7d15dab9d5.html
Rams escape defensive battle with 13-10 win over Niners
21 minutes ago • By Joe Lyons jlyons@post-dispatch.com 636-493-9675

In a fitting finish for a Rams defense turning in its best effort of the season, San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick was stuffed and fumbled on a third-and-goal play from the 1 in the game’s final seconds Sunday afternoon.

Rams middle linebacker James Laurinaitis came away with the loose ball in the end zone to cap an outstanding defensive effort for the Rams, who came away with a 13-10 victory in their first trip to Levi’s Stadlum.

The Rams are 3-5; San Francisco is now 4-4.

The Rams defense, which held the 49ers scoreless in the second half, also helped set up the go-ahead score as Greg Zuerlein booted a 39-yard field goal to give the visitors a 13-10 lead with 5:25 to play. It’s the Rams’ first lead of the day.

The field goal came after Andy Lee’s 23-yard punt from the 49er end zone. That San Francisco drive never got going because of 49er penalties and a Michael Brockers’ sack _ the Rams’ eighth of the day.

GAME TIED AT 10 WITH 15 MINUTES TO PLAY

In what has become a defensive struggle, the Rams and 49ers are still tied at 10 with 15 minutes to play.

The Rams, who entered the game with six sacks total, have sacked Colin Kaepernick seven times through three quarters.

Rams defensive end William Hayes, who has two of those sacks, was carted off from the sideline late in the thrid quarter.

RAMS, 49ERS TIED AT 10 AT THE HALF

The 49ers regained the lead early in the second quarter, converting after an Antoine Bethea interception. After Bethea came a leaping grab on an Austin Davis pass intended for Tavon Austin at the St. Louis 35, San Francisco needed three plays to go up 10-3. Rolling to his right, Colin Kaeperinick stopped and found Anquan Boldin wide open in the middle of the field. Boldin raced untouched to the end zone for a 27-yard touchdown with 11:57 to play in the first half.

The Rams responded just before halftime, taking advantage of their own turnover. Near midfield, defensive end Robert Quinn knocked the ball away from Kaeperinick _ on the fifth sack of the half for the Rams _ and Eugene Sims recovered at the San Francisco 36.

Two plays after a 17-yard gain on a screen pass from Davis to Benny Cunningham, Davis found Kenny Britt on a crossing pattern that resulted in a 21-yard touchdown that evened the score at 10 with 1:04 to play in the half.

The Rams may have caught a break in the half’s waning seconds. On a 55-yard field goal try by Phil Dawson as time expired, Tavon Austin made an ill-advised return attempt, leaving the end zone briefly before being tackled into the end zone by the 49ers’ Derek Carrier. The officials ruled in the Rams’ favor _ no safety.

Some quick halftime numbers:

• Davis rallied late in the half and has completed 7 of 15 passes for 74 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. Britt has two catches for 32 yards and a score.

• The Rams have sacked Kaepernick six times.

• Kaepernick has completed 11 of 16 passes for 126 yards and a touchdown. Boldin has 51 yards and a TD on three catches. Frank Gore has just 26 yards on seven carries.

RAMS, 49ers TIED AT 3 AFTER ONE QUARTER

The 49ers, who rallied from a 14-0 deficit to beat the Rams 30-17 at the Edward Jones Dome on Oct. 13, took the opening kickoff in the rematch and marched 64 yards on nine plays to take a 3-0 lead on 34-yard field goal from Phil Dawson.

The San Francisco drive was aided by three Rams’ penalties, including a 15-yard late hit infraction on defensive lineman Eugene Sims.

Later in the quarter, the Rams put together a solid 12-play drive capped by a 37-yard field goal from Greg Zuerlein that evened the score at 3 with 1:20 to play in the period.

CB JENKINS INACTIVE AGAIN

SANTA CLARA, Calif. • Of the 13 Rams players listed on the injury report this week, only two will not dress against the 49ers.

Cornerback Janoris Jenkins (knee) will sit out his second consecutive game. And backup safety Cody Davis, who left the Kansas City game with concussion symptoms, also was on the pregame inactive list. Davis actually passed the concussion protocol tests during the week and practiced Friday.

But the Rams still decided to make him a a pregame inactive, in essence leaving room for newly-acquired safety Mark Barron to make his Rams debut.

Joining Jenkins and Davis on the inactive list for the Rams are: S Maurice Alexander, LB Korey Toomer, G/T Brandon Washington, TE Alex Bayer and DE Ethan Westbrooks.

That means three players listed as questionable on the Rams’ Friday injury report are all suiting up today: DT Aaron Donald (shoulder), S Rodney McLeod (knee), and LB Jo-Lonn Dunbar (toe).

Also suiting up are C Scott Wells (elbow) and OG Rodger Saffold. In addition, CB Trumaine Johnson (knee) is suiting up for the first time since suffering a knee injury in the Rams third preseason game, Aug. 23 in Cleveland.

For San Francisco LB Patrick Willis and CB Tramaine Brock head the list of inactives. Both were limited through the week with toe injuries. Others 49er inactives are: QB Josh Johnson, WR Quinton Patton, G/C Dillon Farrell, TE/DT Demarcus Dobbs TE/DT, and DT Tank Carradine.

(Jim Thomas of the Post-Dispatch contributed to this report.)

Gordon: Decimated Rams start 2015 build-up
• By Jeff Gordon

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/columns/jeff-gordon/gordon-decimated-rams-start-build-up/article_51830c89-f054-576f-9cfb-25150eca1532.html

The Rams will absorb some gruesome beatings from here on out and everybody knows it.

They just lost left tackle Jake Long and top receiver Brian Quick to season-ending injuries. Roughly a fourth of the surviving Rams made the official injury report Wednesday.

New Rams safety Mark Barron made it onto the practice field during Wednesday’s light walk-through at Rams Park. He didn’t miss much because this battered team couldn’t do much while bracing to play the San Francisco 49ers for the second time in three weeks.

Post-Dispatch columnist Joe Strauss asked coach Jeff Fisher about this vexing scenario.

“We’re going to bounce back this week and go out and we’re going to play as hard as we possibly can against a good football team that we had a chance to beat here but we let slip away,” Fisher said. “I’m not blaming anything on the injuries or anything.

“We’ll have some people come back as the week goes on, but the big thing for us is . . . when you play an opponent twice in three weeks, you run the risk of taking for granted, ‘Oh, we’re familiar with them. We played them a couple weeks ago.’ We’ve got to get to know them even better right now. That’s our focus. That’s their challenge.

“Learn from the mistakes that happened in that ballgame. Carry a respect in for your opponent and go play hard. That’s our focus right now.”

That is mandatory brave coaching talk from Fisher, right out of the manual. He can’t come out and say this season is ruined, but it is.

The Rams are 2-5. After playing at San Francisco, they play at Arizona, return home to face Denver (gulp) and then head West again to play at San Diego.

As we noted earlier this week in Tipsheet, the football operation must shift its focus forward.

Playing top draft pick Greg Robinson at left tackle will be part of that process. Jake Long’s demise makes it mandatory, but this is an opportunity to speed the big fella’s development.

Robinson will have to take charge at left tackle when the Rams scrape Long’s contract off the books this winter.

Integrating Barron into the secondary will be part of that process, too. Acquiring him for fourth- and sixth-round picks was an interesting move for a franchise that has been stockpiling picks, not trading them.

“It’s an opportunity to get a good player on this roster for the future,” Fisher said. “Whenever and wherever he plays, I can’t answer that right now. But we’ve got a good player.”

Barron, who just turned 25, made the NFL all-rookie team for the Buccaneers and established himself as a durable, hard-hitting strong safety.

At a glance, he seems to be the sort of young veteran the Rams should welcome. It beats adding pricey, twilight-age veterans via free agency.

But the Rams already have a young strong safety in T.J. McDonald. Although McDonald is stronger in run support than in coverage, perhaps he will slide over to free safety. And Barron insisted that he, too, could play free safety.

With Rodney McLeod and Cody Davis sidelined Sunday, rookie nickel back Lamarcus Joyner ended up playing there. That wasn’t good for anybody. Barron’s arrival could be quite timely.

Then again, Barron struggled in coverage in Lovie Smith’s “Cover-2″ defense. So now the Rams could start two hard-hitting safeties who aren’t great in coverage, playing behind a bunch of really young cornerbacks.

That could get interesting. Odds are we will see a lot of interesting things as the Rams get a head start on another roster overhaul.

Not only did Robinson have to slide over to tackle in Kansas City, redshirt freshman Barrett Jones had to step in at center and veterans Mike Person and Davin Joseph had to come off the bench to play guard.

What will the offensive line look like in San Francisco?

“I don’t think it’s crystallized,” quarterback Austin Davis said. “We’ll see who recovers and who doesn’t. Just kind of as the week goes along we’ll get a better idea of what the plan is. We’ll be ready to go by Sunday. We don’t have to be ready today.”

Players are coming and going from this roster. Quarterback Case Keenum exited on waivers and returned as a practice squad player.

He gained some more time to develop. Could he become a back-up caliber quarterback at some point?

Perhaps. He has the acumen for it and some experience playing at the NFL level under adversity. He shares some qualities with Davis, who is making his case for further employment.

Keenum bumped Garrett Gilbert, who had no chance to make it. Gilbert was brutal in training camp. He appeared utterly lost. He was a living, breathing example of just how little value late-round draft picks have.

So, sure, moving a sixth-round pick to Tampa Bay in the Barron package was no big deal.

Suddenly the Rams are awash in linebacker hopefuls. Will Herring, Marshall McFadden and Korey Toomer are all on the active roster now as the team soldiers on without Ray Ray Armstrong.

Could one of those guys become less of a liability than Alec Ogletree at outside linebacker? Ogletree has regressed from Emerging Playmaker to Accident Waiting to Happen in a hurry.

There is so much to do between now and next season. Once again Fisher is forced to take a pragmatic approach, turning a crisis into a player development opportunity.

Let training camp begin.

Jeff Fisher not expecting to face Aldon Smith this week
By Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/13179/jeff-fisher-not-expecting-aldon-smith-this-week

EARTH CITY, Mo. — The San Francisco 49ers enter Sunday’s game against the St. Louis Rams with the inherent advantage of coming off a bye week and a number of players returning to health.

The Rams, meanwhile, head toward that meeting with 13 players on their injury report, eight of whom were listed as non-participants in Wednesday’s walk-through. They are also coming off a 34-7 drubbing at Kansas City in the middle of a three-game road stretch.

Needless to say, the 49ers don’t need any more advantages, whether real or perceived. So as rumors swirl about the potential early return of 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith from his original nine-game suspension, Rams coach Jeff Fisher made it clear Wednesday that he doesn’t expect Smith to be available this week.

More to the point, Fisher believes if the NFL was going to make Smith available this late in the week, it should have done so earlier since the game-planning that his team has already done hasn’t accounted for Smith.

“He’s a good football player,” Fisher said. “I would expect it to be unlikely this late. I think I would have liked to have known about it earlier in the week from a game-planning standpoint, but we can’t control what happens at the league office. If he’s reinstated and plays, we’re going to have to block him. So we’ll just wait and see.”

Smith has two games left on the nine-game suspension he received before the season for violations of the league’s personal conduct policy and substance abuse program. The rumor mill has indicated a possible reduction in that suspension based on apparent good behavior.

So far, nothing has come from those rumors and it doesn’t appear a reduction is imminent. That doesn’t mean it won’t happen, as the league has made similar unexpected decisions on such matters before.

Even without Smith, the 49ers sacked Rams quarterback Austin Davis five times in the first meeting on Oct. 13. Adding Smith, who has 42 sacks in 43 regular-season games, would make things tougher on a Rams team that will give rookie Greg Robinson his first start at left tackle Sunday.

“I’ve got a pretty good left tackle out there right now that’s going to get better and better,” Fisher said. “So we’ll see.”

Rams notebook: Fisher opts for shortened workout for battered squad
• By Joe Lyons

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/rams-notebook-fisher-opts-for-shortened-workout-for-battered-squad/article_650025d8-8065-585d-8d3a-7b816277f5c1.html

In what has already been an unusual week, the Rams had a one-hour walk-through in place of their regular practice Wednesday afternoon.

That’s what happens when you spend a couple of days reworking the 53-man roster and 10-man practice squad while dealing with multiple injuries.

“I had 13 people on the injury report and I felt like we needed to back down,’’ Rams coach Jeff Fisher said, adding that the Rams are facing a familiar foe this week in the NFC West rival San Francisco. “Our focus is having them ready (for) Sunday.’’

When the Rams (2-5) take on the 49ers (4-3) Sunday at 3:05 p.m. in their first trip to new Levi’s Stadium, they will definitely be without starting left tackle Jake Long (knee) and No. 1 wide receiver Brian Quick (shoulder).

On Wednesday, the Rams made it official as Quick joined Long on injured reserve.

Chosen by the Rams with the initial pick of the second round in 2012, Quick was in the midst of a breakout season with career bests in starts (seven), catches (25), receiving yards (375) and touchdowns (three).

He was replaced on the 53-man roster by offensive lineman Brandon Washington, a 6-2, 318-pounder from the University of Miami who was promoted from the practice squad. A sixth-round draft pick by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2012, Washington was signed by the Rams shortly after being cut that fall and has spent almost all of the last two-plus seasons on the practice squad. He made his NFL debut in last season’s finale at Seattle.

Veteran receiver and kick returner Damian Williams was also added to the active roster Wednesday. Williams, 26, played in college at Arkansas and Southern California and was drafted in the third round of the 2010 draft by Fisher’s Tennessee Titans. He spent the next four seasons there, enjoying a career year in 2011 with 45 catches for 592 yards and five touchdowns in 13 starts. In one game this season with the Miami Dolphins, the 6-foot-1, 200-pound Williams had one 14-yard reception.

“I was surprised he was available; (Miami) released him on Saturday,’’ Fisher said. “Losing Brian, it feels like Damian is a perfect fit for us as a back-up returner and as a fifth receiver right now. He’s smart. He’ll learn real quickly and obviously has a chance to be active this week.’’

To open a spot, the Rams cut defensive back Jemea Thomas, a rookie from Georgia Tech who made his Rams debut Sunday.

In moves involving the practice squad Wednesday, the Rams released wide receiver Kadron Boone and added tackle Steven Baker, wide receiver Emory Blake, tight end Justice Cunningham and offensive lineman Travis Bond.

Baker, a 6-foot-8, 310-pounder from East Carolina, signed as an undrafted free agent with Indianapolis in 2012 and has also been with Arizona, Kansas City, the New York Giants and Miami.

Blake, Bond and Cunningham have all been with the Rams during the last couple of seasons.

Quarterback Case Keenum cleared waivers and will be added to the practice squad.

“Just took a day off,’’ he kidded.

INJURY REPORT

Because Wednesday was just a walk-through and not a full practice, Fisher had to estimate player participation. Eight of the 13 players on the injury report — defensive end William Hayes (foot), guard Rodger Saffold (shoulder), cornerback Janoris Jenkins (knee), defensive tackle Aaron Donald (shoulder), safety Rodney McLeod (knee), linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar (toe), center Scott Wells (elbow) and safety Cody Davis (concussion) — were listed as not practicing.

In addition, cornerback Trumaine Johnson (knee), center Tim Barnes (shoulder), wide receiver Kenny Britt (hip), cornerback Marcus Roberson (ankle) and defensive back Lamarcus Joyner (hip) were limited.

“We’ll get some players back tomorrow and then more and more players back on Friday,’’ said Fisher, whose team fell 31-17 to the visiting 49ers on Oct. 13.

Coming off its bye week, San Francisco had just four players on its Wednesday injury list. Cornerback Chris Culliver (hamstring) was a full participant, with linebacker Patrick Willis (toe), cornerback Tramaine Brock (toe) and safety Jimmie Ward (quadriceps) limited.

EARLY HALLOWEEN

On Tuesday, safety Rodney McLeod hosted a “Halloween Huddle’’ for a group of patients from Shriners Hospital for Children at Kokomo Joe’s in St. Peters.

“We had probably 10 kids, plus their brothers and sisters, and I think everybody really enjoyed themselves. Including me,’’ he said. “We played laser tag, bowled, played a bunch of different arcade games. Those kids are so brave, so courageous. I’m just glad to be able to help out and try to put a smile on their faces.’’

McLeod said he was introduced to Shriners in the week before playing in the 2012 East-West Shrine Game following his senior season at the University of Virginia.

“It was kind of a life-changing experience,’’ the third-year pro explained. “Once I realized the hospital was here, I decided to reach out to them and I thought we did a great job of putting the event together. The kids were excited and they enjoyed themselves a lot.’’

Rams Head Coach Jeff Fisher – Post-Practice – October 29, 2014

(On the addition of S Mark Barron)
“We obviously liked Mark coming into the league. He was an outstanding college player. We thought he had a lot of ability and whatever the reasons are down there, we had an opportunity to take advantage of getting a good football player. I spoke with him last night after we put the deal together. Obviously he surprised and shocked but excited about a new start. He just walked through the field there during the middle of the walk thru. He’s got a lot of catching up to do. He’s going to be in time a very good player for us.”

(On if Barron could play this week)
“I wouldn’t rule it out whatsoever, whether it’s special teams or a role on defense. It really depends on…I mean, he’s just meeting people now for the first time. So, we’ll see how quickly things go this week.”

(On if Barron has a chance to contribute because of the Rams’ injury situation)
“It’s an opportunity to get a good player on this roster for the future. Whenever and wherever he plays, I can’t answer that right now. But we’ve got a good player.”

(On the team having a walk thru rather than a full practice today)
“I had 13 people on the injury report and I felt like we needed to back down today. Our focus is having them ready at 1:00 on Sunday.”

(On the difficulty of the challenge this week considering the opponent and the Rams’ injury situation)
“We’re going to bounce back this week and go out and we’re going to play as hard as we possibly can against a good football team that we had a chance to beat here but we let slip away. I’m not blaming anything on the injuries or anything. We’ll have some people come back as the week goes on, but the big thing for us is to…when you play an opponent twice in three weeks, you run the risk of taking for granted, ‘Oh, we’re familiar with them. We played them a couple weeks ago.’ We’ve got to get to know them even better right now. That’s our focus. That’s their challenge. Learn from the mistakes that happened in that ballgame. Carry a respect in for your opponent and go play hard. That’s our focus right now.”

(On if he’s in a ‘wait and see mode’ to see how the injured players progress this week)
“Yeah, they’ll be on the injury report today. Because you don’t practice full speed, you have to estimate had you had a full practice what would they have done. We went ahead and did that and we’re accurate with that. We’ll get some players back tomorrow I’m sure and then more and more players back on Friday.”

(On what he likes about Barron as a safety)
“He’s a smart, instinctive football player. He’ll hit you. He understands angles. Gosh, he was a first-round pick and for whatever reason it didn’t work out or they felt like it didn’t fit in the system. We’ll find a way to fit him into our system at some point. I don’t know whether that’s a week for six weeks or next year. But we need depth at the position and we’re banged up a little bit. It was an opportunity that we couldn’t pass up.”

(On the roles Barron and T.J. McDonald could have together)
“I’m not going to speculate the moves and things like that. We got a good player. I’m going to spend some time with him and talk about where and how he fits at some other point.”

Rams QB Austin Davis – October 29, 2014

(On preparation for the 49ers playing them two weeks after the first meeting)
“It is kind of strange to play a team twice in one year but not only to do that but to play them kind of back to back. You know what they’re going to do but obviously they’ll do some things differently. We’ll do some things differently, too. It’s a new game. You approach every game and every week differently. It’s the next one up and we’ll be prepared.”

(On how he’s preparing for the 49ers in the film room)
“You watch the previous game. What did they do that we were able to take advantage off? What did they do that gave us problems? You expect to see whatever they did to give us problems, you expect to see it again. We’ve got to have some answers for it.”

(On the second half of the game against the Chiefs and the new offensive linemen)
“It was challenging. I thought the guys that did come in really stepped up and did a great job and really fought. I told them that after the game. I was really happy with the way they came in. That’s hard to do. It’s hard to come off the bench and play. I’ve been there. I appreciated the way those guys came in and fought. Very confident with the guys that are going this week. We’ve got a good game plan for what we need to get done. Keep moving forward.”

(On if the starting O-line has been crystallized for the game on Sunday)
“I don’t think it’s crystallized. We’ll see who recovers and who doesn’t. Just kind of as the week goes along we’ll get a better idea of what the plan is. We’ll be ready to go by Sunday. We don’t have to be ready today.”

(On what the week has been like with all the roster moves that have occurred)
“It has a different feel to it but at the same time it’s all about Sunday. We’ve got to be ready to play Sunday. Today’s a little different day with the walk-thru. Just trying to get mental reps and focus. The focus is on the physical health of the football team to get everyone ready to play. The fact that it’s a familiar opponent helps in this type of week. But, at the same time every game’s a different game.”

(On OL Greg Robinson moving from LG to LT)
“Greg’s doing a great job. He’s getting better every week. Again, I don’t evaluate the offensive line play. Felt very comfortable in whatever formation, whatever lineup we have up there.”

(On if they ask him to grade the offensive line)
“They don’t.”

(On if he can speak to the dramatic differences between the first and second halves)
“One of the things we have to focus on is being able to play a complete game on both sides of the football and be able to put it together. Offensively, we talked about the details. Just letting things get away whether that’s my drop or my eyes and receiver routes, just the details of everything that we do. It’s easy to lose those details as you get going during the season. But, when you watch a game that you don’t play so well those are typically the things that can get away from you and cause you to struggle.”

(On if it is frustrating that the offense struggles in the second half)
“I think that’s the hardest part about being a really good offense and defense as well, is can you do it consistently. Can you do it every quarter, every play, both halves. That’s what we’re focused on and we’re still getting better and better. That’s what we got to do this week.”

(On if he notices that past opponents have made adjustments or have taken away certain things in the second half)
“I think in watching tape, they don’t take as much away as you think they do. I felt at times that I’ve gotten kind of thrown off a little bit and missed some things. They cover one thing, then all of a sudden you think they’re covering everything, but they’re really not. We’re getting guys open, run game’s been good. We’ve just got to stay the course and continue to do what we do. And, like you’ve already said put two halves together and play a complete game.”

(On how significant third down conversions are)
“It’s a big part of it. We talk a lot about third downs and just staying on the field. There’s a time of possession battle. There’s a confidence that comes with converting third-downs and the big focus for us is staying out of third-and-long. Third-and-eight-8/9/10-plus is really hard to convert in this league. I don’t care how good you are on offense. We’ve got to be better on first and second down to get us into third-and-manageable, third-and-2/3s and that’ll give us a better chance to convert, stay on the field and kind of build momentum and play confidently.”

http://www.rams-news.com/rams-banged-up-young-secondary-could-be-tested-pd/%5D Rams’ Banged-Up Young Secondary Could Be Tested –PD
The Rams might have to do a little shuffling in the secondary for Sunday’s game against the Chiefs in Kansas City.

http://www.rams-news.com/rams-prepare-to-face-another-star-rb-pd/%5D Rams Prepare to Face Another Star RB –PD
This Rams’ season began with them facing Adrian Peterson. There was DeMarco Murray, the LeSean McCoy-Darren Sproles tag team, then Frank Gore and Marshawn Lynch

http://www.rams-news.com/gordons-tipsheet-shedding-positive-light-on-austin-davis/%5D Gordon’s Tipsheet: Shedding positive light on Austin Davis
The NFL is no place for young quarterbacks. The league chews up most of them and spits them to the curb.

http://www.rams-news.com/rams-ready-for-rowdy-arrowhead-appearance-wagoner/%5D Rams Ready for Rowdy Arrowhead Appearance –Wagoner
Playing the Kansas City Chiefs hasn’t been much fun for the St. Louis Rams the last five times they’ve met.

http://www.rams-news.com/jim-thomas-have-to-wonder-if-rams-looking-to-trade-stacy/%5D Jim Thomas: Have to Wonder if Rams Looking to Trade Stacy
St. Louis Rams rookie running back Tre Mason broke out in a big way against the Seattle Seahawks Sunday, piling up 85 yards on 18 carries in the 28-26 win.

http://www.rams-news.com/rams-look-to-improve-perimeter-run-d-wagoner/%5D Rams Look to Improve Perimeter Run D –Wagoner
As they make their final preparations for the Kansas City Chiefs, perhaps the St. Louis Rams defense can get some pointers from Vanderbilt alum/running back Zac Stacy.

http://www.rams-news.com/rams-could-be-thin-at-cornerback-sunday-wagoner/%5D Rams Could be Thin at Cornerback Sunday –Wagoner
The St. Louis Rams’ injury report is a lengthy one, but there’s good news and bad news to be found.

http://www.rams-news.com/morning-ram-blings-prediction-time-wagoner-4/%5D Morning Ram-blings: Prediction Time –Wagoner
It’s that time of the week again. Time for our weekly roundup of predictions as the St. Louis Rams and Kansas City Chiefs square off on Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium.

http://www.rams-news.com/jim-thomas-will-rams-trade-zac-stacy-radio-interview/%5D Jim Thomas: Will Rams Trade Zac Stacy? –Radio Interview

http://www.rams-news.com/will-austin-davis-play-earn-him-a-big-paycheck-from-the-rams-radio-interview/%5D Will Austin Davis’ Play Earn Him A Big Paycheck from the Rams –Radio Interview

http://www.rams-news.com/tavon-austin-on-the-fake-punt-return-i-just-tried-to-sell-it-video/%5D Tavon Austin on the Fake Punt Return: “I Just Tried to Sell It” –Video

http://www.rams-news.com/brian-schottenheimer-the-main-thing-is-we-want-to-win-video/%5D Brian Schottenheimer: “The main thing is we want to win” –Video

http://www.rams-news.com/rams-hc-jeff-fisher-calls-in-to-the-rich-eisen-show-video/%5D Rams’ HC Jeff Fisher Calls in to The Rich Eisen Show –Video

http://www.rams-news.com/rams-rookie-greg-robinson-solid-in-first-start-pd/%5D Rams Rookie Greg Robinson Solid in First Start –PD
Greg Robinson heard a lot of hype about five-time Pro Bowler Justin Smith during the practice week, particularly about Smith’s reputation as one of the strongest players in the league.

http://www.rams-news.com/seahawks-wilson-look-to-bounce-back-pd/%5D Seahawks, Wilson look to Bounce Back –PD
Leading the Seattle Seahawks to 43-8 rout of the Denver Broncos last February, Russell Wilson became the youngest quarterback in NFL history to win a Super Bowl.

http://www.rams-news.com/barrett-jones-im-ready-to-move-on-beyond-injuries-video/%5D Barrett Jones: “I’m Ready to Move on Beyond Injuries” –Video

http://www.rams-news.com/rams-fisher-confident-in-system-still-waiting-on-production-ap/%5D Rams’ Fisher Confident in System, Still Waiting on Production –AP
Jeff Fisher’s Rams are in danger of dropping their first four home games for the first time since 2009.

http://www.rams-news.com/rams-hc-jeff-fisher-and-oc-brian-schottenheimer-transcripts-oct-16/%5D Rams HC Jeff Fisher and OC Brian Schottenheimer Transcripts: Oct. 16

http://www.rams-news.com/questions-will-continue-for-rams-pass-rush-until-qbs-start-dropping-fsmw/%5D Questions Will Continue for Rams’ Pass Rush until QBs Start Dropping –FSMW
Sacks must be a sore subject by now for the Rams’ defense, especially a front four that was so successful last season it earned St. Louis the nickname “Sack City.”

http://www.rams-news.com/how-much-responsibility-do-rams-coaches-have-clayton-radio-interview/%5D How Much Responsibility Do Rams Coaches Have? –Clayton Radio Interview

http://www.rams-news.com/zac-stacy-austin-pettis-return-to-practice/%5D Zac Stacy, Austin Pettis Return to Practice –Wagoner
After a short rest period before returning to practice Wednesday, the St. Louis Rams had a lengthier injury report than normal.

http://www.rams-news.com/jeff-fisher-stands-by-janoris-jenkins-wagoner/%5D Jeff Fisher stands by Janoris Jenkins –Wagoner
St. Louis Rams cornerback Janoris Jenkins’ latest coverage miscue resulting in another long touchdown pass hasn’t changed how he’s viewed by coach Jeff Fisher.

http://www.rams-news.com/trumaine-johnson-edging-closer-to-return-wagoner/%5D Trumaine Johnson Edging Closer to Return –Wagoner
As St. Louis Rams cornerback Trumaine Johnson was taken off the field in Cleveland on a cart in the team’s third preseason game, many assumed he had torn an ACL and would probably miss the season. Johnson himself feared for the worst.

http://www.rams-news.com/morning-ram-blings-a-lose-lose-trade-wagoner/%5D Morning Ram-blings: A Lose-Lose Trade? –Wagoner
We still aren’t a full three years removed from the blockbuster trade the St. Louis Rams made with the Washington Redskins.

http://www.rams-news.com/espns-mike-sandos-inside-edge-seahawks-rams-video/%5D ESPN’s Mike Sando’s Inside Edge: Seahawks-Rams –Video

http://www.rams-news.com/rams-cb-janoris-jenkins-that-was-all-on-me-i-take-full-responsibility-video/%5D Rams CB Janoris Jenkins: “That Was All On Me, I Take Full Responsibility” –Video

http://www.rams-news.com/greg-robinson-ive-just-got-to-get-better-and-better-video/%5D Greg Robinson: “I’ve Just Got to Get Better and Better” –Video

http://www.rams-news.com/wagoner-on-why-janoris-jenkins-regressed-radio-interview/%5D Wagoner on Why Janoris Jenkins Has Regressed –Radio Interview

http://www.rams-news.com/can-the-rams-pull-the-upset-versus-seattle-radio-interview/%5D Can the Rams pull the upset versus Seattle? –Radio Interview

http://www.rams-news.com/rams-notes-rookie-dt-donald-makes-the-most-of-first-nfl-start-pd/%5D Rams Notes: Rookie DT Donald makes the most of first NFL start –PD
In his early-week evaluation of his squad’s 31-17 loss to the 49ers, Rams coach Jeff Fisher had high praise for rookie defensive tackle Aaron Donald following the first-round pick’s initial NFL start.

http://www.rams-news.com/jenkins-takes-blame-says-it-wont-happen-again-pd/%5D Jenkins Takes Blame, says ‘It won’t happen again’ –PD
After getting beaten for two touchdowns against San Francisco, including a backbreaking 80-yard score by Brandon Lloyd at the end of the second quarter, cornerback Janoris Jenkins wasn’t in the best of moods.

http://www.rams-news.com/rams-injury-report-a-little-longer-on-wednesday-wagoner/%5D Rams injury report a little longer on Wednesday –Wagoner
Less than 48 hours after Monday night’s loss to the San Francisco 49ers, the St. Louis Rams’ injury report was a little longer Wednesday night as they began preparations for the Seattle Seahawks.

http://www.rams-news.com/rams-head-coach-jeff-fisher-qb-austin-davis-transcripts-oct-15/%5D Rams Head Coach Jeff Fisher & QB Austin Davis Transcripts: Oct. 15

http://www.rams-news.com/the-jeff-fisher-show-with-gm-les-snead-video/%5D The Jeff Fisher Show with GM Les Snead –Video

http://www.rams-news.com/austin-davis-disappointed-in-performance-against-49ers-wagoner/%5D Austin Davis Disappointed in Performance Against 49ers –Wagoner
Moments after his team’s 31-17 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, St. Louis Rams quarterback Austin Davis had no interest in finger pointing or passing out blame for the Rams’ shortcomings.

http://www.rams-news.com/a-brian-quick-start-pearch/%5D A (Brian) Quick Start –Pearch
On a recent Friday afternoon following practice, a group of reporters huddled around the locker of Rams WR Brian Quick.

http://www.rams-news.com/the-film-dont-lie-what-the-rams-must-fix-wagoner-4/%5D The Film Don’t Lie: What the Rams Must Fix –Wagoner
A weekly look at what the Rams must fix:

http://www.rams-news.com/three-plays-that-defined-rams-loss-to-49ers-stalter/%5D Three Plays That Defined Rams’ Loss to 49ers –Stalter
While providing the opening statement for his press conference on Monday night, it didn’t take Jeff Fisher long to cite the tipping point in the Rams’ 31-17 loss to the 49ers.

http://www.rams-news.com/morning-ram-blings-ranking-non-playoff-teams-wagoner/%5D Morning Ram-blings: Ranking Non-Playoff Teams –Wagoner
In a little bit of an offshoot to the usual Tuesday Power Rankings, Bill Barnwell over at Grantland.com took some time to rank the teams who wouldn’t be in the playoffs if they started today.

http://www.rams-news.com/jeff-fisher-on-florios-hot-seat-video/%5D Jeff Fisher on Florio’s Hot Seat? –Video

http://www.rams-news.com/could-tre-mason-spark-rams-running-game-video/%5D Could Tre Mason Spark Rams’ Running Game? –Video

http://www.rams-news.com/in-the-film-room-with-jon-gruden-austin-davis-video/%5D In the Film Room with Jon Gruden: Austin Davis –Video

http://www.rams-news.com/rams-ot-joe-barksdale-we-have-to-learn-from-this-video/%5D Rams OT Joe Barksdale: “We have to learn from this” –Video

Rams notes: Austin working his way back
• By Joe Lyons

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/rams-notes-austin-working-his-way-back/article_accfcfc0-e122-5cc3-a050-8fd13d028f53.html

With wide receiver Tavon Austin working his way back after suffering a knee injury during the victory in Tampa Bay, there could be some tough lineup choices to be made Sunday when the 1-2 Rams take on the 3-1 Eagles in Philadelphia.

Could the Rams dress all six wide receivers?

“Oh yeah, it’s not a problem,’’ Rams coach Jeff Fisher said Friday after practice at Rams Park.

Do you have enough footballs to keep all six wideouts involved?

“We do,’’ Fisher added.

Austin, the team’s top draft pick in 2013, was limited through practice this week and is questionable heading into Sunday’s noon game at Lincoln Financial Field.

“We’ll do some stuff before the game to see how he is,’’ Fisher said.

Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer added: “Obviously, we’re going to try and rotate guys through. Our goal is whoever’s active is going to play. You see that with the backs, the receivers and the tight ends. (Tavon’s been) moving around pretty good. … If he’s active, then we’ll certainly have a plan to get him the ball.’’

In the season-opening loss to Minnesota, Austin caught three passes for 34 yards, returned five punts for 24 yards and had 5 yards on three run plays. He was hurt on the only pass thrown his way in Tampa, finishing the game with two carries for 21 yards while losing a yard on his lone punt return.

The team’s top pass-catchers at wide receiver this season have been Brian Quick (16 catches, 235 yards, TD), Kenny Britt (six, 86), Austin Pettis (six, 74, TD) and Chris Givens (four, 50). Stedman Bailey, who was suspended for the first two games, was active for the Dallas game but did not have any catches.

Tight ends Jared Cook, Lance Kendricks and Cory Harkey and backs Zac Stacy and Benny Cunningham have also been regular targets for starting quarterback Austin Davis, who has completed passes to eight different receivers in each of his two NFL starts.

INJURY REPORT

No surprises for the Rams as center Barrett Jones (back) and cornerbacks Trumaine Johnson (knee) and Brandon McGee (foot) have been ruled out. Austin, as noted, is questionable with a knee injury, with back-up quarterback Shaun Hill (thigh) is listed as probable after going through full workouts Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

The Eagles have ruled out starting center Jason Kelce (sports hernia) and starting inside linebacker Mychal Kendricks (calf). Cornerback Brandon Boykin (hamstring) practiced Thursday and Friday and is listed as questionable.

Listed as probable after practicing throughout the week are tight end Trey Burton (Achilles tendon), cornerback Nolan Carroll (ankle), tight end James Casey (knee), tackle Matt Tobin (ankle), safety Earl Wolff (knee) and wide receivers Jason Huff (shoulder), Brad Smith (groin) and Jeremy Maclin (hamstring).

Both Smith, who played quarterback in college, and Maclin, a Kirkwood High product, starred at the University of Missouri.

In other injury-related news, Fisher said that tight ends coach Rod Boras (calf) is “doubtful and did not practice” Friday after getting hurt in individual drills Thursday.

“And we will not be able to work him out before the game,’’ Fisher kidded.

GROWING PAINS

For rookie cornerback E.J. Gaines, the Dallas game was a strange one. He was on the field for 53 defensive snaps and six more on special teams. Yet, he managed one assisted tackle.

“I didn’t get too much action my way, which is never a good thing because you want to have an impact on the game,’’ the former Mizzou star said. “I’m definitely looking for a chance to bounce back because I know I’ll get plenty of chances this week.’’

The Eagles’ fast-paced attack is set up to spread the field and then try to exploit the one-on-one matchups it creates.

“You have to keep up with their pace, and that’s something we’ve worked all week on,’’ Gaines said. “The key is to try and play simple and not let yourself get distracted because that’s what they want.’’

Against Dallas, Gaines matched up with Terrance Williams, who beat him for a 20-yard touchdown pass.

“Got caught on a pick route in the red zone,’’ Gaines explained. “I think it was his only catch of the day against me, but you never want to give up the touchdown. Watching the film, I should’ve seen it coming. Just a rookie mistake on my part.’’

And the long touchdown pass to a wide-open Dez Bryant? “That was just a communication breakdown by the whole secondary,’’ Gaines said. “One of those things we can’t let happen.’’

PHILLY COACHING ROOTS

Fisher got his professional coaching start with the Eagles, serving as defensive backs coach in 1986-88 and as defensive coordinator from 1988-1990.

“It’s a great football town with a great fan base,’’ he said. “I got my start there with Buddy Ryan. We had a good year the first year and then the players went on strike. They had a replacement team in ‘87. I still have the picture as a secondary coach with the replacement defensive backs — it serves as motivation every day for me.

“Two of them didn’t even play college football.’’

—

RamBill

—

Nick Wagoner @nwagoner

FWIW, OL Barrett Jones was in uniform and helmet doing work on the side during practice. Spoke to him after, he’s close to return.

QB Shaun Hill (thigh/calf) was a full participant.

Wednesday’s injury report: CB Johnson (knee), OL B. Jones (back), CB McGee (foot) did not practice. WR Austin (knee) was limited.

Fisher said he began leaning to Davis after Tampa game. Dallas game sealed it but he wanted to get Davis more work on bye before finalizing.

Davis not allowing himself to get caught up in his new role. Did say it’s helpful to know that Fisher won’t have quick hook for mistakes.

Hill said he kind of saw writing on the wall last week in practice. He is healthy and will be ready to be the backup moving forward.

QB Shaun Hill taking demotion about as well as can be expected. Acknowledged frustration but said he’ll do what he can to help Davis.

Back from locker room, for those who missed it, Jeff Fisher named Austin Davis his starter for now and moving forward.

=========

Jim Thomas @jthom1

Official injury report now out. WR Tavon Austin listed as limited. CBs Johnson and McGree (DNP); QB Shaun Hill (full); C/G B. Jones (DNP).

CBs Trumaine Johnson (knee) and Brandon McGee (foot) still not practicing.

C/G Barrett Jones (back) does some work in individual drills.

QB Shaun HIll (quad) is full-go at practice Wednesday, albeit as the backup QB.

WR Tavon Austin (knee) returns to practice for Rams.

Looks like Davis at QB again for Rams
• By Jim Thomas

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/rams-report/looks-like-davis-at-qb-again-for-rams/article_35639028-ab96-5f45-9447-5c68da695af2.html

As the Rams completed their last full-scale practice of the week, all signs point to Austin Davis as the team’s starting quarterback Sunday against Dallas.

As has been the case all week, Davis got the vast majority of snaps in Friday’s practice and veteran Shaun Hill was limited.

Hill, who is working his way back from a thigh injury suffered in the season opener against Minnesota, will be listed as questionable on the team’s injury report later this afternoon

As expected, coach Jeff Fisher played it close to the vest. “It’ll be a game-time decision,” he said.

Among other injured players, WR/PR Tavon Austin (knee) and FB/TE Cory Harkey (knee) did some work on the side but did not practice. If Harkey can’t go, look for Alex Bayer, the undrafted rookie from Bowling Green, to make his NFL debut.

In the case of Tavon Austin, the Rams have newly reactivated Stedman Bailey now available to take up some of those snaps. Austin Pettis is the likely punt returner in Austin’s place.

CB Brandon McGee (foot) also did not practice.

With two corners down _ Trumaine Johnson remains sidelined _ the Rams added CB Jemea Thomas to their practice squad. The Georgia Tech product was drafted in the sixth round by New England in May. WR/return Justin Veltung was released from the practice squad to make room for Thomas.

http://www.rams-news.com/rams-need-to-step-up-running-game-pd/%5D Rams Need to Step Up Running Game –PD
There was improvement in the Rams’ running game from Week 1 to Week 2. The Rams gained nearly 50 more yards on the ground against Tampa Bay than in the opener against Minnesota, and averaged nearly a yard more per carry.

http://www.rams-news.com/rams-coach-jeff-fisher-guys-are-going-to-have-to-make-plays-video/%5D Rams Coach Jeff Fisher: “Guys are going to have to make plays” –Video

http://www.rams-news.com/practice-report-qb-hill-does-more-but-still-limited-pd/%5D Practice Report: QB Hill Does More, But Still Limited –PD
Quarterback Shaun Hill did a little more in practice Thursday, including some 7-on-7 work, but was still listed as limited on the Rams’ official injury report.

http://www.rams-news.com/hill-still-limited-wells-returns-thursday-wagoner/%5D Hill Still Limited, Wells Returns Thursday –Wagoner
After an early evening Thursday practice, St. Louis Rams coach Jeff Fisher made it clear that a decision on the starting quarterback will again be made before Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys.

http://www.rams-news.com/ugly-loss-to-cowboys-lingers-for-rams-wagoner/%5D Ugly Loss to Cowboys Lingers for Rams –Wagoner
St. Louis Rams coach Jeff Fisher has a 24-hour rule for his team, a rule in which his players are supposed to take one day to either stew over their latest loss or celebrate a victory.

http://www.rams-news.com/fisher-schottenheimer-fassel-press-conference-transcripts-sept-18/%5D Fisher, Schottenheimer, & Fassel Press Conference Transcripts: Sept. 18

http://www.rams-news.com/isacc-bruce-on-how-he-knows-quick-is-showing-he-has-it-radio-interview/%5D Isacc Bruce on How He Knows Quick is Showing He Has “It” –Radio Interview

http://www.rams-news.com/darly-johnston-previews-the-rams-vs-cowboys-radio-interview/%5D Daryl Johnston Previews the Rams vs Cowboys –Radio Interview

http://www.rams-news.com/breaking-down-robert-quinns-lucrative-but-basic-contract-pd/%5D Breaking Down Robert Quinn’s Lucrative, but Basic Contract –PD
There is nothing fancy about Robert Quinn’s $65.6 million contract extension. No escalator clauses. No incentives. Just a bunch of numbers lined up after dollar signs.

http://www.rams-news.com/hill-says-hes-feeling-better-every-day-wagoner/%5D Hill Says He’s Feeling Better Every Day –Wagoner
Per the St. Louis Rams’ policy, quarterback Shaun Hill hasn’t been available to speak to the media since after the regular-season opener against the Minnesota Vikings.

http://www.rams-news.com/fisher-unhappy-mcdonald-was-overlooked-wagoner/%5D Fisher Unhappy McDonald Was Overlooked –Wagoner
On Wednesday afternoon, St. Louis Rams coach Jeff Fisher was asked an innocent question about safety T.J. McDonald’s ability to block kicks on special teams.

http://www.rams-news.com/morning-ram-blings-free-spending-wagoner/%5D Morning Ram-blings: Free Spending –Wagoner
NFL senior writer John Clayton began his weekly mailbag this week with an interesting lede that isn’t directly related to the St. Louis Rams but tangentially applies to every team in the league.

http://www.rams-news.com/rams-lb-james-laurinaitis-micd-up-for-the-bucs-part-2-video/%5D Rams LB James Laurinaitis Mic’d Up for the Bucs: Part 2 –Video

http://www.rams-news.com/rams-qb-austin-davis-i-get-more-comfortable-with-every-rep-video/%5D Rams QB Austin Davis: “I get more comfortable with every rep” –Video

http://www.rams-news.com/how-many-snaps-will-stedman-bailey-get-this-week-wagoner-radio-interview/%5D How Many Snaps Will Stedman Bailey Get This Week? –Wagoner Radio Interview

http://www.rams-news.com/prisco-kirwans-cowboys-at-rams-preview-video/%5D Prisco & Kirwan’s Cowboys at Rams Preview –Video

http://www.rams-news.com/jim-thomas-can-rams-stop-demarco-murray-video/%5D Jim Thomas: Can Rams Stop DeMarco Murray? –Video

Rams need to step up running game
• By Jim Thomas

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/rams-need-to-step-up-running-game/article_ed089177-a0e0-5860-90f7-d03f2f44a47f.html

There was improvement in the Rams’ running game from Week 1 to Week 2. The Rams gained nearly 50 more yards on the ground against Tampa Bay than in the opener against Minnesota, and averaged nearly a yard more per carry.

But there is still plenty of room for improvement as the Rams prepare to host Dallas in a noon kickoff Sunday at the Edward Jones Dome.

“Yeah, absolutely,” offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer said Thursday. “We know we’ll get heavy boxes, and people trying to stop the run.”

More often than not the Buccaneers and Vikings stationed extra defenders near the line of scrimmage to stuff the run, basically daring the Rams to throw the football without quarterback Sam Bradford in the lineup.

More of the same is expected from the Cowboys. Whether it’s Austin Davis or Shaun Hill — and it will most likely be Davis again because of Hill’s thigh injury — the message will be the same: Let’s see if your quarterback can beat us.

“It’s a process,” Schottenheimer said. “I hope we’ll be better this week. Need to be better this week. It certainly takes the pressure off of us by getting into second down-and-manageable, and third down-and-manageable.

“But we get well when we’re balanced, when we can run the football. When teams take that away from us, we tend to struggle a little bit. Like always, we’ll try to get the running game going and generate a few more explosive plays.”

The Rams’ define “explosive plays” on the ground as gains of 10 yards or more. They had zero such runs in the opener against Minnesota; their longest gain that day was seven yards.

Things went better against Tampa Bay with four explosive runs. Even so, their longest run of the season is a modest 18 yards on an end-around by Tavon Austin. Wide receiver Kenny Britt had a 12-yard gain on an end-around.

So Rams running backs have produced only two explosive runs this season: a 12-yard run by Zac Stacy and an 11-yard gain by Benny Cunningham.

“We need to get (running backs) in the secondary, create seams,” Schottenheimer said. “We’ve got to be able to take advantage of that.”

That task will be that much tougher against the Cowboys, who enter the game ranked 14th in run defense, if Rams fullback/tight end Cory Harkey can’t play. Harkey, an underrated lead blocker, did not practice Wednesday and Thursday after suffering a strained knee against Tampa Bay.

The Rams don’t have a true fullback on the roster. But if Harkey can’t play, tight end Lance Kendricks has shown in the past that he can be an effective blocker out of the backfield. But Harkey is one of the toughest Rams, and it will be hard for the team’s medical staff and coaches to keep him off the field against Dallas.

Stacy and Cunningham are the only running backs to carry the ball so far this season. Both are more power runners than breakaway threats. Even factoring that in, they need to be better than their current yard-per-carry averages of 3.8 (Stacy) and 3.3 (Cunningham).

At that rate, the Rams have to huff and puff their way down the field with a minimum of mistakes and efficient passing. That’s a tough way to reach the end zone, as evidenced by the fact that the Rams have scored only one touchdown in two games.

The Rams currently rank 23rd in the NFL in rushing offense (95.5 yards per game), and 24th in yards per carry (3.7 yards). Not nearly good enough for a team whose offensive philosophy is predicated on a strong running game.

Given the success that Dallas has had running the football, it’s even more important to establish a strong running game this week. The Cowboys rank second in the league in rushing offense, and have the league’s leading ground gainer in Rams killer DeMarco Murray (285 yards, 5.6 yards per carry).

Murray’s two-game rushing total is nearly 100 yards better than the Rams’ entire team total, and it’s the main reason why the Cowboys lead the NFL in time of possession at 36 minutes 18 seconds.

Obviously, the best way to keep Murray from doing his thing is for the Rams to control the clock themselves.

INJURY REPORT

Hill was a little more involved in practice Thursday including some work in 7-on-7 drills, but was listed as limited for the second day in a row. Davis continues to get the vast majority of work with the first-team offense.

Besides Harkey, others not practicing Thursday were: Austin (knee), CB Brandon McGee (foot), and LG Rodger Saffold (illness). Saffold is expected to be back at practice today.

CB Trumaine Johnson (knee) and C/G Barrett Jones (back) continue to be sidelined with their injuries, and aren’t expected back for a few weeks. After sitting out practice Wednesday with what amounted to a veteran’s day off, C Scott Wells was full-go Thursday.

For Dallas, QB Tony Romo (back) was full participation after sitting out Wednesday; WR Dez Bryant (shoulder) was limited after sitting out Wednesday; and leading tackler LB Rolando McClain (groin) missed his second straight day.