http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/niners-fumble-one-away-to-rams/article_8a11e301-e871-58cc-b708-6d7d15dab9d5.html?print=true&cid=print
Niners fumble one away to Rams
21 minutes ago • BY JIM THOMAS

SANTA CLARA, Calif. • No one saw this coming, certainly not the San Francisco 49ers. But on a day when the Rams’ pass rush returned with a vengeance and the Rams didn’t crumble in the second half, they pulled off an improbable upset, hanging on to defeat the 49ers 13-10 at Levi’s Stadium.

It came down to the next-to-last play Sunday, with 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick fumbling on a quarterback sneak at the 1-yard line. The Rams recovered in the end zone for a touchback with 2 seconds left, and that was that.

One kneel-down later from the 20, and the Rams had registered their first victory in the Bay Area over San Francisco since 2007. They did it with eight sacks on defense, including two apiece by Robert Quinn and William Hayes. As the game progressed, Kaepernick looked more and more gun shy against the St. Louis pass rush.

Given up for dead a week ago, after another second-half meltdown led to a 34-7 loss in Kansas City, the Rams are now 3-5 at the midpoint of the season. San Francisco fell to 4-4.

After the teams traded first-quarter field goals, the second quarter started poorly for the Rams. First came an ill-advised throw by quarterback Austin Davis that resulted in an interception. And then came a San Francisco touchdown pass a few plays later to a wide-open Anquan Boldin on a busted coverage. All of that occurred early in the second quarter.

That kind of scenario has haunted the Rams basically all season. Boldin’s TD catch came on a throw by a scrambling Kaepernick and gave the 49ers a 10-3 lead with 11 minutes 57 seconds left in the first half.

Trumaine Johnson, seeing his first action of the regular season following a knee injury, had started that series on defense for the Rams. But he was replaced by Marcus Roberson on that play. Roberson’s eyes got caught watching Kaepernick scrambling for his life _ leaving Boldin wide open.

Why you would leave someone who had 896 career catches for 11,791 yards _ as was the case for Boldin entering Sunday’s game _ is anybody’s guess. But that’s what happened, leading to the TD.

But despite a terrible start by Davis, who threw two first-half interceptions and nearly threw a couple more, the Rams rallied to tie the game 10-10 at the half.

After a sack by Robert Quinn knocked the ball loose from Kaepernick at the 2-minute warning, Eugene Sims’ fumble recovery gave the Rams possession at the San Francisco 36. A screen pass from Davis to Benny Cunningham gained 17 yards and put the Rams in the red zone at the 19.

On the next play, Cunningham ran right into a run blitz, losing two yards. But on second-and-12 from the San Francisco 21, Davis found a wide-open Kenny Britt on a crossing route for a TD and a 10-10 tie with 1:04 left in the half.

The Rams’ pass rush showed up in a big way in the first half, dropping Kaepernick six times. That matched the Rams’ sack total in their first seven games combined. Quinn and William Hayes had two sacks apiece in the half. James Laurinaitis and Eugene Sims had a sack apiece.

It was Sims’ sack, the last of the opening half, that pushed Phil Dawson’s field goal attempt with 3 seconds left back to the 55-yard line. The kick was short, and then Tavon Austin _ stationed deep _ almost gave the 49ers a safety and a 12-10 lead to end the half.

Austin caught the ball a couple of yards deep, hesitated, and then started to return the missed field goal up the field. But Austin changed directions after running out to about the 2-yard line. He was tackled in the end zone.

Despite pleas from 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh, it was ruled that Austin’s forward progress had carried him beyond the goal line. A booth review upheld that call, so there was no safety and the score remained 10-10 at the half.

The teams traded punts in a scoreless third quarter, then the Rams got a chance to take the lead midway through the fourth. After pinning the 49ers at their 6 after a Johnny Hekker punt and a personal foul penalty against San Francisco, the Rams forced a 3-and-out, aided by two false starts against the 49ers and a Michael Brockers sack of Kaepernick _ the team’s eighth of the day.

Offsetting penalties forced a re-kick by San Francisco punter Andy Lee. Then Lee, a three-time punter did the rarest of things. He shanked a punt; it traveled only 23 yards with the Rams taking over at the San Francisco 29 with 7:37 to play.

Three plays produced only eight yards, so out trotted Zuerlein to try a 39-yard field goal for the lead. Zuerlein, who missed a 38-yard field goal last week in Kansas City, made this 39-yarder, giving the Rams a 13-10 lead with 5:25 to play.

After an exchange of punts, the 49ers took over at their 12 with 3:11 to play. A 25-yard pass completion from Kaepernick to Stevie Johnson got the 49ers out of their hold. A missed tackle by Johnson added 16 yards to the completion.

With the aid of a defensive holding call against Lamarcus Joyner after a third-down pass fell incomplete, the ‘Niners were able to move the ball to the Rams’ 30, where they faced a third-and-5 with 51 seconds left to play.

But the ‘Niners never got into the end zone. On third-and-goal from the 1, Kaepernick fumbled his quarterback sneak, the Rams recovered in the end zone for a touchback with 2 seconds left.

The Rams took over at the 20, and after a kneel-down by Davis, the Rams had pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the NFL season.

Here are the updates posted during the game by Post-Dispatch football writer Joe Lyons:

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.)

W2W4: St. Louis Rams
By Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/13201/w2w4-st-louis-rams-12

EARTH CITY, Mo. — The St. Louis Rams and San Francisco 49ers kick off Week 9 on Sunday afternoon at Levi’s Stadium. Kickoff is set for 4:15 p.m. ET on regional FOX coverage.

Here are three things to watch from the Rams’ perspective:

1. Who’s healthy?: At this point, we really still don’t even know who the Rams are going to have available in this game. They listed 13 players on their injury report, most of whom are key contributors. They also already placed tackle Jake Long and receiver Brian Quick on injured reserve. Clearly, they’re going to have a number of players unavailable and others will have to play at less than 100 percent. The good news is they are playing a familiar team and many of the injured players made progress as the week went on. The bad news is that the team is the 49ers, as physical a group as there is in the NFL and one that won’t relent just because the Rams are a little injured. It’s worth watching not only who the Rams have available this week but who is able to contribute and make it through the game with their health intact.

2. Line dancing: Without Long available, we already know that rookie Greg Robinson will make his first NFL start at left tackle. He made his first NFL start at left guard in the first meeting against the 49ers and held up pretty well. In fact, Robinson went toe to toe with Justin Smith and mostly held his own. Things will be a little different now as he’s going to have to pass protect more out on the edge and will have his share of hiccups along the way. Of course, the Rams can help Robinson out by having the rest of the line in place with center Scott Wells and guard Rodger Saffold available. It appears that both will be available, leaving only Davin Joseph, who struggled when he started earlier in the year, as a “new” addition to the lineup at right guard.

3. Secondary the first priority: While the offensive line is the area that comes with the most questions on offense entering this game, it’s the secondary with similar issues on the other side of the ball. Cornerbacks Janoris Jenkins and Trumaine Johnson are working their way back from knee injuries. Jenkins didn’t practice all week but Johnson is probable. Starting safety Rodney McLeod is questionable after being limited in practice and backup Cody Davis is coming back from a concussion. New addition Mark Barron is still getting accustomed to his new surroundings and his role is also up in the air. The Rams started three rookies last week and though they didn’t give up much in terms of yards, they did allow 24 of 28 passes to be completed. Colin Kaepernick threw for 343 yards in the first meeting and with so many moving parts in the secondary this week, Kaepernick looks poised for another big outing.

Rams stagger into San Francisco
• By Jeff Gordon

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/rams-stagger-into-san-francisco/article_e3da67fe-f6b6-5335-9043-09654fd1b619.html

Jeff Gordon previews the game between the St. Louis Rams and San Francisco 49ers on Sunday at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara (3:05 p.m., KTVI Channel 2):

THE MATCH-UP

The 49ers (4-3) are looking for a big bounce-back game. They lost to the Denver Broncos 42-17, then used their bye week to regroup. The likely return of LB Patrick Willis (toe) and CB Jimmy Ward (quadriceps) should help.

Meanwhile, the battered Rams (2-5) stagger into the game with an injury-depleted team. Rookie Greg Robinson must play left tackle with Jake Long eradicated by a knee injury. The demise of WR Brian Quick deprives QB Austin Davis of his favorite target.

This could get ugly. The Rams haven’t won at San Francisco since 2007.

COACHSPEAK

Rams coach Jeff Fisher discussed Sunday’s matchup after practice sessions at Rams Park. Here were some highlights, as provided by the Rams staff:

On trying to turn the season around: “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.”

On facing the 49ers for the second time in three weeks: “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 facing the 49ers with so many injuries: “Our guys are healing up. If we’ve got guys that can’t play because of injury, someone else is going to step up and play. Everybody’s dealing with injuries. We’ve probably got a little more than most, especially last week. You can’t consume yourself with that. We’re not going to be thinking about who’s hurt and who’s not at 1 on Sunday.”

On which players will be able to dress at San Francisco: “I can’t say with precision who could play right now and who can’t. We may even have some pregame warm-up decisions to make early Sunday.”

On the need to play better in the second half: “We stress it. We have to come out and have a good drive, whether we start on offense or whether they go on defense. Defense is a three-and-out and offense should be at least a field position change and/or a score. Those are very, very important drives. We understand where our issues are, where our problems are and we’ve got to fix it.”

SCOUTING THE 49ERS

QB Colin Kaepernick loves facing the Rams. He completed 22 of 35 passes for 343 yards and three touchdowns earlier this season in a 31-17 victory at the Edward Jones Dome. In four starts against the Rams he has completed 65.3 percent of his passes with six touchdowns and no interceptions.

The Rams didn’t take him to “Sack City” earlier this season. And now Kaepernick can take aim at an injury-depleted secondary featuring raw cornerbacks and safeties with coverage limitations.

Look for the 49ers to re-establish their power running game Sunday. RB Frank Gore loves facing the Rams.

POINTS OF EMPHASIS

The Rams must reorganize their offensive line after losing Long at left tackle. With right guard Rodger Saffold suffering another shoulder injury, the Rams could see lots of Mike Person and Davin Joseph on the interior line.

This won’t make it any easier for the running back committee — which inexplicably includes WR Tavon Austin — to get much done against the 49ers. But the Rams need to establish the run to give QB Austin Davis any chance to get into his play-action passing game.

Newcomer Mark Barron could jump right in at safety, given the secondary injuries. Naturally the 49ers will want to target him.

INJURY REPORT

Saffold (shoulder), CB Janoris Jenkins (knee), DT Aaron Donald (shoulder), and S Cody Davis (concussion) missed practice time for the Rams this week, along with DE William Hayes (foot), C Scott Wells (elbow), S Rodney McLeod (knee) and OLB Jo-Lonn Dunbar (toe).

As for the 49ers, CB Tramaine Brock (toe), Patrick Willis (toe) and S Jimmie Ward (quad) missed some time this week.

Chris Long making progress toward return
By Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/13209/chris-long-making-progress-toward-return

EARTH CITY, Mo. — The St. Louis Rams went through a full practice Thursday after Wednesday’s walkthrough and made progress toward getting healthy.

On Wednesday, the Rams had 13 players listed on the injury report with eight listed as not participating. Things were a little better Thursday with only four listed as non participants: guard Rodger Saffold (shoulder), cornerback Janoris Jenkins (knee), defensive tackle Aaron Donald (shoulder) and safety Cody Davis (concussion).

Of players not on the injury report but working back from injury, Rams coach Jeff Fisher said that defensive end Chris Long is making progress. Long is eligible to begin practicing this week as part of his injured reserve/designated to return spot, but the Rams aren’t rushing him back.

“He’s a little ways away but we’re very encouraged where he’s at,” Fisher said. “As he is too. The surgical procedure which is not an issue for him right now, that’s good. It’s just the fact that he was non-weight bearing and in a cast so you’re dealing with natural atrophy so he has to get all his strength back.”

Here’s the full injury report from Thursday:

Did not participate: G Rodger Saffold (shoulder), CB Janoris Jenkins (knee), DT Aaron Donald (shoulder), S Cody Davis (concussion).

Limited participation: S Rodney McLeod (knee), LB Jo-Lonn Dunbar (toe).

Full participation: DE William Hayes (foot), C Scott Wells (elbow), CB Trumaine Johnson (knee), C Tim Barnes (shoulder), WR Kenny Britt (hip), CB Lamarcus Joyner (hip), CB Marcus Roberson (ankle).

Rams prepare to face another star RB
• By Jim Thomas

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/rams-prepare-to-face-another-star-rb/article_657bb1de-8a01-54b1-a35e-2603c78c0d87.html

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.

Is there an opponent on the Rams’ 2014 schedule that doesn’t have an elite running back?

That’s what defensive coordinator Gregg Williams is wondering, and the Rams aren’t out of the woods yet. On Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium, it’s time for Jamaal Charles of the Kansas City Chiefs.

“Every week we’ve got one that’s one of the tops in the business,” Williams said Friday, shaking his head. “Charles presents a lot of things. He can get into space like Sproles and McCoy could at Philadelphia.

“He can put his head down and get the tough yards like Murray and all the other guys that we’ve faced. So yeah we’ve got a tough job right there, and on how they’re committed to the run.”

Committed they are. The Chiefs average 31 rushing attempts per game; only Dallas (33.6), Cleveland (32.5) and Indianapolis (31.6) run more often. And in this pass-crazy league only Dallas (235 runs, 214 passes), Cleveland (195-191) and the Chiefs (186-186) haven’t thrown the ball more than they’ve run it this season.

After a poor start on run defense, the Rams have been noticeably better the past two weeks. OK, quarterback scrambles and keepers are a different matter, but when it comes to running backs they limited Lynch to 53 yards on 18 carries last Sunday — or just 2.9 yards per tote.

In the Oct. 13 Monday night game against the 49ers, Gore had a mere 38 yards on 16 carries — just 2.4 yards per carry. Now comes Charles, the AFC’s leading rusher a year ago with 1,287 yards.

“Completely different challenge this week in the run game,” coach Jeff Fisher said. “It’s a lot of read-option, a lot of that stuff.”

The Chiefs have a “power” element to their game as well, but they also attack the edges. They run a lot of “stretch” plays, in which it seems as if the entire offensive line is heading one direction and the back picks his spot and goes. All things considered, Fisher said it’s the most diverse running game the Rams will see all season.

The past two weeks, the Rams have focused on the power-running games in the NFC West.

On that score Fisher said, “there’s a lot of similarities between San Francisco and Seattle. This run game this week is going to be a big challenge for us.”

The Chiefs do have a big power back in Knile Davis, who actually has more carries than Charles so far this season because Charles missed time because of a high ankle sprain. But Charles is now healthy and beginning to assert himself in the backfield.

“He can get to full speed in about a step-and-a-half,” Fisher said. “It takes him literally two steps and he’s full speed, he’s by you. He’s got the quickness to get through the hole. He’ll break things out the backside. He’s just really difficult to defend. They know that, and they’re taking advantage of him.”

Charles, 5 feet 11, 199 pounds, became Kansas City’s career rushing leader last week against San Diego, and now has 6,113 career yards in this his seventh NFL season. He surpassed Priest Holmes’ previous club record of 6,070.

Charles suffered concussion-like symptoms on the 16-yard touchdown run early in the second quarter that eclipsed Holmes’ record. That’s because the run included a massive collision with former teammate and current Chargers cornerback Brandon Flowers.

But Charles quickly passed the Chiefs’ concussion protocol early in the practice week and wasn’t listed on the team’s injury report at any time during the week.

As testament to his explosive nature, Charles leads the league with a 5.5-yard rushing average since entering the league in 2008. That’s for players with a minimum 600 rushing attempts.

“Jamaal Charles will test the edge,” said Rams linebacker James Laurinaitis, who not only played Charles and the Chiefs in 2010 but also faced him in college. “We have to be gap-sound, and we have to fight off blocks. We have to swarm. When he gets outside and he wants to cut it up, if you have guys swarming to the ball, then he has nowhere to go.”

And what if the Rams’ leave a gap vacant?

“That’s when he’ll hit his head on the goal post,” Laurinaitis said.

As in celebrating a touchdown.

Charles has a smooth running style. At times it looks like he’s almost gliding down the field, which makes his speed deceptive. He’s running faster than it looks.

The Chiefs used him much more on third down against San Diego than they did earlier this season and Charles can be a threat in the passing game. He led the Chiefs in receptions (70), reception yards (693), and touchdown catches (seven) a year ago.

With an injury-depleted wide receiver corps, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Chiefs try to work Charles more into the passing game — he’s going to win most matchups against a linebacker or safety.

Just one more thing to worry about.

Rams could be thin at cornerback Sunday
By Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/12979/rams-could-be-thin-at-cornerback-sunday

EARTH CITY, Mo. — The St. Louis Rams’ injury report is a lengthy one, but there’s good news and bad news to be found.

The good news is that of the 12 players on the list, eight are probably to play Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The bad news is that of the four who are listed as questionable or worse on the injury report, three of them play the same position. That position is cornerback where Brandon McGee has been ruled out for this week after re-injuring his foot in Thursday’s practice. Janoris Jenkins and Trumaine Johnson, both of whom are coming back from knee injuries, are listed as questionable.

Based on practice participation, Johnson would seem the more likely candidate of the two to play against the Chiefs. He got back to work and did at least something in every day of practice this week. Jenkins did not practice at all.

Even if Johnson is able to go, it seems unlikely that he’ll be ready to step in and start or play an extended period. If that’s the case and Jenkins is unavailable, the Rams will turn to rookie Marcus Roberson to make his first NFL start.

Roberson filled in for Jenkins when Jenkins left last week’s game against Seattle and handled himself well, according to coach Jeff Fisher.

“Marcus came in, had a couple tackles,” Fisher said. “He knows what to do. He’s doing well on special teams. It’s interesting, at one point against the world champs, we had three rookies in the secondary. They hung there. He’s a good, solid backup [who’s] ready to play, that’s important. It’s the hardest thing to do, is to prepare and be ready to play. But, he was fine.”

If indeed Roberson gets another opportunity, the Rams will likely again find themselves in a situation with three rookies on the field. E.J. Gaines will start on one side regardless of injury, and Lamarcus Joyner remains the team’s primary nickel corner.

If the Rams can’t turn to Johnson to help and really get put in a tough spot, they could also tweak things to bring Rodney McLeod up to help at corner with Cody Davis entering at safety.

Either way, the Rams are heading into the game in a precarious spot at cornerback.

Here’s the full Friday injury report:

Out: C Tim Barnes (shoulder), CB Brandon McGee (foot)

Questionable: CB Janoris Jenkins (knee), CB Trumaine Johnson (knee)

Probable: K Greg Zuerlein (illness), S T.J. McDonald (concussion), RB Benny Cunningham (knee), LB Jo-Lonn Dunbar (toe), G Rodger Saffold (knee), WR Kenny Britt (ankle), DE Ethan Westbrooks (hand), DE William Hayes (illness)

Morning Ram-blings: Prediction time
By Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/12728/morning-ram-blings-prediction-time-3

EARTH CITY, Mo. — It’s that time of the week again where we take a spin around our many ESPN NFL experts and offer up predictions for this week’s St. Louis Rams game against the Seattle Seahawks, as well as the bonus of some experts picks on the rest of this week’s games.

As usual, Rams fans probably won’t like (but most likely will agree with) the picks on the Rams game.

We’ll start with the NFL Live crew offering its picks courtesy of Brian Dawkins and Mark Schlereth.

Mike Sando takes his usual numbers-driven look at this week’s game with a little help from NumberFire.

And here’s the breakdown of picks from all of our experts.

My pick for this week will be posted a little later Friday. Spoiler alert: My pick will follow the same trend it’s followed since the second game of the season.

I.C.Y.M.I.

A roundup of Thursday’s Rams stories appearing on ESPN.com. … We began the day with the Rams-Seahawks game preview from Seahawks reporter Terry Blount and I. … In the Ram-blings, we began the day with a look at the Redskins-Rams trade. … Rams coach Jeff Fisher is standing by cornerback Janoris Jenkins after he allowed another big play last week. … Speaking of cornerbacks, Trumaine Johnson is edging closer to a return from his knee injury. … We wrapped up the day with Thursday’s injury report.

Elsewhere:

Want to read about a coach doing more with less in the NFC West division? Here’s a great look at the job being done by Arizona’s Bruce Arians.

On ESPN Insider, Ron Jaworski ranks the NFL quarterbacks and renders early judgment on Rams quarterback Austin Davis.

101sports.com has the video from this week’s Jeff Fisher show with general manager Les Snead filling in for Fisher.

Some great photos from Monday night’s Greatest Show on Turf reunion can be found here.

At stltoday.com. Jim Thomas provides his look at Jenkins’ struggles.

Joe Lyons chronicles the debut start for defensive tackle Aaron Donald.

Rams notes: Rams rookie Donald impressing Williams
• By Joe Lyons

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/rams-notes-rams-rookie-donald-impressing-williams/article_506ae232-3d96-5e6d-88f4-623881c1d5fc.html

Rams defensive coordinator Gregg Williams likes what he’s seen of rookie defensive tackle Aaron Donald and saw positive work from the first-round draft pick in practice this week.

“His acclimation to the pro game, he’s done a tremendous job,’’ Williams said following Saturday’s workout. “He’s had a really, really good week in practice. Looking forward for him to get a chance to have opportunities to play the way we want him to play. It’s the same way he played in college. He’s a very quick, instinctive player. He feels very comfortable in what we’re doing. This week, for whatever reason, it felt like the light came on a little bit more for him.

“When I was watching him practice, watching him prepare … it’s fun to be around him. … He’s the first one here in the morning. He’s the first one in the meeting room, He’s out here on the practice field before the guys set practice up. He takes this thing seriously and it’s fun to be around that kind of guy.”

Donald, a 23-year-old from the University of Pittsburgh who has 20 tackles and the Rams’ lone sack this fall, said he likes to arrive early to watch film.

“It’s something I did in college that helped me,’’ he said. “I’m not going to stop doing what got me here.

“I feel like I’ve been improving each week, getting better, getting more comfortable out there. Things have been slowing down for me out there, so I’m excited about this week. I’m ready for it — this is what I’ve been working for — it’s my time, so I’m just going to try to get out there and fly around.’’

NEW GUY IN TOWN

The newest Ram, linebacker Will Herring, has a little history with the club, but it’s probably something he’ll keep to himself.

In 2010, while playing for Seattle, Herring recorded his first — and only — NFL sack in a 20-3 Rams’ victory here. That same season, in the regular-season finale with the NFC West title and a playoff berth on the line, Herring picked off then-rookie Sam Bradford for Herring’s first NFL interception in the fourth quarter of a 16-6 Seattle victory.

“I’m not going to rub it in or anything,’’ Herring said earlier this week. “But that (interception) was a big moment for me, kind of early in my career. I was fortunate to make a play.’’

Herring, 31, signed with the Rams earlier this week to fill the void created when linebacker Ray Ray Armstrong was waived. The 6-foot-3, 241-pound Herring spent the first four years of his career in Seattle and the last three in New Orleans. Last year, he was the Saints’ special teams captain.

“My contract was up and I just never re-signed with them,’’ Herring explained. “I went through the offseason and thought I had a deal worked out with Dallas, (but) it fell through. I just told my agent I’d like to just sit tight … (but) I knew I still wanted to play ball.’’

Herring was one of four linebackers to work out for the Rams on Tuesday. That group also included Marshall McFadden, 28, who was signed to the Rams’ practice squad. McFadden played one game with Pittsburgh in 2012 and four with Oakland last year.

“I’m thrilled to be here, thrilled to be part of this thing Coach Fisher’s got going,’’ Herring said. “I played for (Rams defensive coordinator Gregg Williams) in New Orleans, so I know what to expect with him. Meeting with ‘Bones’ (Rams special teams coordinator John Fassel), he’s been great.’’

Herring played at Auburn and was the leading tackler in his final two seasons there, making the move from safety to outside linebacker as a senior. A fifth-round draft pick by Seattle in 2007, he has a reputation as a solid special teams player.

“I’ve kind of embraced that (special teams) role the last few years,’’ he said. “I’m excited to just come in and do whatever they ask of me.’’

Rams coach Jeff Fisher likes Herring’s versatility.

“He could be plugged in anyplace on our special teams … because he’s done everything,’’ the coach said. “He automatically walks in and has the respect of the room because people that played against him know. They know what he’s capable of doing. He understands hard work and he’s going to prepare himself.’’

Herring, who said he’s doing everything he can be ready for Monday night’s game with San Francisco, played some defense with the Saints under Williams in 2011.

“He fits in very well as a leadership locker room guy and he’ll fit in very well with his special teams play,’’ Williams said.

INJURY REPORT

After another full practice on Saturday, running back Zac Stacy is listed as probable for the 49er game.

“Feeling pretty good, got a chance to move around a little, just getting ready for Monday,’’ said Stacy, who left last week’s game with a strained calf. “The trainers did a great job. I’m ready to go.’’

Wide receiver Kenny Britt (knee) and defensive end Eugene Sims (groin) are also probable, with linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar (groin), center Barrett Jones (back), running back Chase Reynolds and defensive tackle Alex Carrington (knee) as questionable. Cornerbacks Trumaine Johnson (knee) and Brandon McGee (foot) have been ruled out for Monday’s game.

San Francisco has ruled out cornerback Tramaine Brock (toe) and have tackle Anthony Davis (knee/ankle), tight end Vernon Davis (back), center Marcus Martin (knee) and linebacker Nick Moody (hamstring) listed questionable. The 49ers’ probables are defensive end Justin Smith (not injury related), defensive end Tony Jerod-Eddie (shoulder), defensive end Ray McDonald (knee), defensive tackle Ian Williams (ankle), punter Andy Lee (ankle) and cornerback Chris Cook (quadriceps).

Brock and Davis have not practiced this week.

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

7 Things to Watch: Rams vs. Eagles
• By Jim Thomas

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/things-to-watch-rams-vs-eagles/article_3820e63c-686d-56c8-b0d4-d7bcc9ea7386.html

FACING FOLES

Eagles QB Nick Foles was a surprise sensation last season, throwing 27 TD passes with only two interceptions in place of an injured Michael Vick. His 119.2 passer rating at season’s end was the third-highest in NFL history. Foles opened this season with three straight 300-yard passing games, but ran into a brick wall otherwise known as the San Francisco defense last week. Although he wasn’t listed on the Eagles’ injury report this week, Foles has had issues with a sore left shoulder, and matters weren’t helped when he absorbed several hard shots from the 49ers. Even though it’s his non-throwing shoulder, some in Philly are wondering if it hasn’t affected his accuracy. He’s 29th in the NFL in completion percentage (57.8) and has already thrown four interceptions. The league’s best deep passer a year ago in terms of passer rating (124.0) on throws of 20 yards-plus, Foles completed only one of 13 deep balls against San Fran, including two INTs.

WHERE’S MCCOY?

Teams have been able to bear down on Foles because the Eagles have been so one-dimensional on offense. LeSean McCoy, a two-time Pro Bowler and the NFL’s leading rusher last season — with a franchise-record 1,607 yards — just can’t get it going so far this season. A week after gaining 22 yards in 19 carries against Washington, he was held to 17 yards in 10 carries last week in San Francisco.All in all it’s made this the worst four-game stretch in his career. He’s averaging a mere 2.7 yards a carry, barely more than half his 5.1 average for 2013. Of his 70 carries this season, 49 have gone for 2 yards or less. McCoy has had only one run longer than 5 yards over his past 9 quarters. Why has he been so ineffective? Is he injured? Is it the Eagles’ depleted offensive line? One thing’s for certain. McCoy must be excited about the opportunity to face the Rams’ 30th-ranked run defense, which has allowed a 100-yard rusher in all three games.

GOING DEEP

Although it hasn’t worked well this season, the Eagles love to stretch defenses by going deep. According to Pro Football Focus, Philly already has thrown 39 passes of 20 yards or more this season, which is tops in the NFL. Think the Eagles noticed the Rams’ two long pass interference penalties, or Dez Bryant’s 68-yard TD catch, in the Dallas game?

LIFE AFTER DESEAN

With DeSean Jackson now in Washington, St. Louisan Jeremy Maclin has made the most of the opportunity to be the Eagles’ No. 1 WR. He has deep speed, good hands and is on pace for his first 1,000-yard season. Riley Cooper is averaging only 8.3 yards a catch, less than half his 17.8 average in 2013. Rookie Jordan Matthews is a big slot receiver.

UP FRONT

The Eagles were minus three offensive line starters last week against the 49ers and it showed. Coach Chip Kelly conceded that the Eagles: “got whuppped up front.” RT Lane Johnson, the No. 4 pick in the 2013 draft, returns from an NFL drug suspension against the Rams. But Pro Bowl OG Evan Mathis (knee), and C Jason Kelce (sports hernia) remain sidelined.

HELLO, PAT

Pat Shurmur, the Rams’ offensive coordinator for two seasons (2009-2010) under coach Steve Spagnuolo, has the same duties for Kelly in Philadelphia after spending two seasons as head coach in Cleveland. Make no mistake, Kelly calls the plays but Shurmur has mixed elements of the West Coast passing game into Kelly’s run-heavy, up-tempo spread scheme.

SPECIAL CHALLENGE

In just four games, Philly’s special- teams unit has returned a punt and kickoff for a touchdown, and blocked a punt and a field goal. Former Mizzou star Brad Smith fell on the blocked punt for a TD at San Francisco. Chris Polk leads the NFL in kickoff returns, with a 40.4-yard average; Darren Sproles is second in punt returns, with a 15.4-yard average.

Morning Ram-blings: Prediction time
By Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/12251/morning-ram-blings-prediction-time-2

EARTH CITY, Mo. — It’s that time of week again. After a hiatus on the bye last week for the St. Louis Rams, we’ll begin our Friday morning with a look at predictions and thoughts on the team’s trip to Philadelphia this Sunday.

We start, as always, with ESPN NFL Insider Mike Sando, who offers the Inside Edge on the matchup.

The NFL Live Crew follows with predictions from Herm Edwards and Mark Schlereth.

Here’s this week’s list of expert picks from our NFL analysts. I have a feeling Merril Hoge will win friends among Rams fans this week.

As always, my pick will be revealed a little later today. I struggled with this one because this is a matchup I could really see going either way.

I.C.Y.M.I.

A roundup of Thursday’s Rams stories appearing on ESPN.com. … In this week’s game preview, Eagles reporter Phil Sheridan and I discuss the Eagles-Rams matchup. … In the Ram-blings, we took a look at recent mega trades made on draft day that haven’t panned out. … Quarterback Shaun Hill was admittedly frustrated by the decision to go with Austin Davis at quarterback but says he’s going to handle it professionally. … Offensive lineman Barrett Jones is moving closer to a return from back surgery. … We wrapped up the day with Thursday’s injury report.

Elsewhere:

A terrific read from ESPN The Magazine senior writer Seth Wickersham on San Francisco coach Jim Harbaugh.

Speaking of terrific reads, Liz Merrill’s hot read on Cleveland receiver Josh Gordon has nothing to do with the Rams but is absolutely worth your time.

ESPN fantasy analyst Christopher Harris breaks down Rams receiver Brian Quick’s expected production this week.

NJ.com takes a look at five things to know about the Rams heading into Sunday’s matchup.

At 101sports.com, D’Marco Farr writes that the Rams need to get more physical on defense this week.

At stltoday.com, Joe Lyons says the Rams are refreshed after the bye week.

Rams notes: Team begins preparing for Sunday game in Philadelphia
• By Joe Lyons

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/rams-notes-team-begins-preparing-for-sunday-game-in-philadelphia/article_1746058f-8225-5770-9265-761ca5352c12.html

Coming off their Week 4 bye, the Rams returned to Rams Park Wednesday afternoon for their first full practice in preparation for Sunday’s noon game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field.

This is the first of 13 consecutive weeks of football for the 1-2 Rams.

“They’re fresh and they’re ready to go,” coach Jeff Fisher said of his players. “We’re pleased with what took place last week. We focused on specific things for different players and we got a lot done — the guys that needed rest got rest (and the) young guys that needed technique work got that. Guys got away, we brought them back yesterday mid-morning and got them back in the swing of things.

“They understand the challenges that are ahead of us this week. This is a good (3-1 Eagles) football team — this team could be 4-0. You’re talking about a team that has five returns for touchdowns already. They played the 49ers well (losing 26-21 on the road Sunday) and we’ve got our hands full. … Our guys understand that the key this week is preparation. You have to prepare for an uncommon opponent. We have to prepare the best we can for their up-tempo offense.”

INJURY REPORT

The Rams’ initial injury report of the week includes just five players. Center Barrett Jones (back) and cornerbacks Trumaine Johnson (knee) and Brandon McGee (foot) did not practice while receiver Tavon Austin (knee) was limited.

Back-up quarterback Shaun Hill (thigh) took part in the full workout, working with the scout team.

Austin, the team’s top draft pick a year ago, did some extra work after practice and is hoping to return to action on Sunday.

“I feel good. Definitely good to be back out there,” said Austin, who had three catches 34 yards and five carries for 26 yards before being hurt late in the first half of the team’s Week 2 win at Tampa Bay. “I’m trying to stay positive, to stay patient. I just want to move forward and try to make some plays to help the team any way I can.”

Fisher said that Johnson, a starting cornerback, continues to make progress after being hurt in the preseason.

“He’s getting closer,’’ the coach said. “Doing some good things inside, actually, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he was ready to start running on land here pretty soon.”

For Philadelphia, center Jason Kelce has been ruled out due to a sports hernia while inside linebacker Mychal Kendricks (calf) and cornerback Brandon Boykin (hamstring) sat out Wednesday’s workout. Banged-up players practicing included tight end Trey Burton (Achilles), cornerback Nolan Carroll (ankle), tight end James Casey (knee), tackle Matt Tobin (ankle), safety Earl Wolff (knee) and receivers Josh Huff (shoulder), Brad Smith (groin) and Jeremy Maclin (hamstring). Both Smith, a former quarterback, and Maclin, a Kirkwood High product, enjoyed record-setting careers at the University of Missouri.

ROAD TO RECOVERY

Jones, a highly decorated offensive lineman from Alabama selected in the fourth round of the 2013 draft, did some work on the side Wednesday and continues to rehab after undergoing back surgery during training camp.

“It was really a minor deal, as back surgery goes,” he explained Wednesday. “But it feels really good. It helped a ton. I feel like a new man.”

Jones, who earned All-America honors at three different positions while winning three national titles with the Crimson Tide, was limited to just four games a year ago after undergoing foot surgery at the end of his college career. After working hard in the offseason to prepare for his second pro season, he was sidelined early in training camp.

“I just felt a lot of pain in my back and shooting down my legs. Nerve pain,” the 6-foot-4, 308-pound Jones said. “It was very frustrating because I felt good about the way I was playing. But that’s just a part of football and now I’m looking to bounce back. I feel like this is a small setback and that I’ll be able to play football again soon.”

CROWD NOISE

The Rams are one of the few teams in the NFL who do not pump in crowd noise to help prepare for hostile road stadiums.

“I think if you make a big deal of the crowd noise, then it becomes a big deal during the game,” Fisher explained. “In camp, we have a few drills (with players simulating crowd noise) from the back of the end zone, but that’s all we do. We communicate in the huddle and have to go silent count and all those things. I think if you make such a big deal over it, it becomes a concern, becomes a distraction not only on the practice field but on Sundays.”

RAM-BLINGS

• Philadelphia’s Darren Sproles was named NFL Special Teams Player of the Week on Wednesday after a career-long 82-yard punt return touchdown in the Eagles’ loss to the 49ers last weekend. It was the fourth punt-return score and sixth total kick-return touchdown for Sproles, who earned Offensive Player of the Week honors in Week 2.

In the game, the Eagles became the first team in NFL history to score on a punt return, a blocked punt and an interception return in the first half of a game.

• In a practice squad move, the Rams have released defensive end Kortnei Brown and re-signed tight end Brad Smelley.

W2W4: St. Louis Rams
By Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/11832/w2w4-st-louis-rams-7

EARTH CITY, Mo. — The St. Louis Rams and Dallas Cowboys kick off Week 3 on Sunday at the Edward Jones Dome. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET on regional Fox coverage.

Here are three things to watch for from the Rams’ end:

1. Stopping the run: This one is obvious but it has to go right here at the top because it’s the most important. In case you missed the numbers earlier this week, here’s a rundown on why this is the most imperative piece to handle if the Rams want a win this week.

Through two games, St. Louis is 30th in the league stopping the run, giving up 171 yards per game. The Rams did a solid job against the Minnesota Vikings’ Adrian Peterson but were burned on the perimeter by receiver Cordarrelle Patterson. Last week, little known backup Bobby Rainey of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers did in the Rams as they again struggled with missed tackles and poor run fits.

The challenge grows this week with Dallas and DeMarco Murray coming to town. Murray leads the league in rushing through two games and is working behind a better offensive line than the Rams have seen this season (and perhaps one of the best in the league). That’s a lethal combination for a defense that has struggled to contain Murray in the past. Even if the Rams are a much different team than they were in 2011 when Murray blitzed them for 253 yards, this is basically the same group that gave up 175 to him last year.

The Cowboys’ passing game hasn’t been what they’d hoped so far but if Murray and the run game get going again, it could be a long, long day for the Rams defense.

2. Quarterback quagmire: The Rams again are playing the day-to day card with veteran quarterback Shaun Hill, who is recovering from a thigh injury. Hill didn’t play last week and Austin Davis more than capably replaced him with an impressive first start. That has left many fans clamoring for Davis to take the job permanently, but Jeff Fisher has been steadfast in saying Hill will be the starter when he’s healthy.

The question then becomes whether Hill is healthy. At this point, it doesn’t appear that he is after practicing only on a limited basis all week. He’s listed as questionable on the injury report. The Rams could test him again in pregame before making a decision but with a bye week coming after the Cowboys game, it’s fair to wonder if the Rams should push Hill knowing he could be full strength after the bye. The safe bet is that Davis will get a second consecutive start even if it doesn’t become official until just before game time.

Whether it’s Davis or Hill, someone is going to have to offer more than the Rams got from Sam Bradford in last year’s blowout loss in Big D.

3. Reducing penalties: After starting last week’s game against Tampa Bay with three penalties on the first series, it looked like the Rams were in for another long day of laundry. But the Rams managed to settle in a bit as the game went on and drew only five accepted penalties. On paper, that’s obvious improvement but a deeper look revealed more of the same. The Rams had four penalties either declined or offset but even more disturbing was the nature of the five that were accepted. The Rams had 65 penalty yards on those five accepted flags, an average of 13 yards per infraction. So while the number of penalties dropped, the nature of them got worse.

To their credit, the Rams drastically reduced the number of fouls on the offense against Tampa Bay but the defense picked up most of the slack. Against Dallas, which boasts a more formidable offense at all levels than the Bucs, the Rams can’t afford similar mistakes.

Rams notes: Zuerlein has been sharp
• By Joe Lyons

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/rams-notes-zuerlein-has-been-sharp/article_18637543-0f38-5285-9717-b779cebb0e53.html

The conditions in Tampa Bay last weekend were far from ideal, thanks to a midgame thunderstorm, but Rams kicker Greg Zuerlein did what he needed to do.

With a 38-yard field goal with 38 seconds to play, Zuerlein helped the Rams slip by the Buccaneers 19-17 for their first victory of the season.

“Any time you get a chance to contribute and help your team win, it’s great,’’ said Zuerlein, who also connected on kicks from 35, 36 and 45 yards in the game. “It was sloppy, not the best conditions, but that’s part of the job. It’s the same for both teams, so it’s no excuse. You have a job to do and you’re expected to get it done.’’

The game-winning kick was the third in as many pro seasons for Zuerlein, who was selected in the sixth round of the 2012 draft. As a rookie, Zuerlein booted a 54-yarder in overtime to beat visiting San Francisco 16-13 on Dec. 2. Last year, in a season-opening 27-24 win over the Arizona Cardinals at the Edward Jones Dome, Zuerlein connected from 48 yards with 45 seconds to play.

After missing on a few long-range tries in the preseason and on a 50-yarder to open the regular season, Zuerlein is perfect on six attempts, including one from 56 yards.

The most accurate kicker in team history, Zuerlein has converted 55 of 66 field goal tries (83.3 percent) in 34 NFL games.

“During the preseason, you work on different things, try to tweak things. You’re allowed to miss then,’’ the 25-year-old from Missouri Western State University explained.

Rams special teams coordinator John Fassel added: “He missed that first kick against Minnesota, hit a great ball (and) hit it straight left. … He’s got great confidence and he’s got great ball-striking right now.’’

However, Zuerlein struggled with his kickoffs in Tampa Bay, calling it a “bad kickoff day.’’

“It was a mixture of things, really,’’ he continued. “The field conditions didn’t help, but mainly, it was me. I was trying to overkick, trying too hard to get the touchback instead of just kicking the ball the way I normally do.

“My kickoffs need to be better, so that I can help out the defense with field position.’’

SAM ‘WORKING HARD’

Dallas coach Jason Garrett has been impressed with former Missouri defensive end Michael Sam, who signed with the Cowboys’ practice squad after being waived by the Rams. Sam is the first openly gay player drafted into the NFL.

“Michael’s done a nice job,’’ Garrett said. “He’s come in, he works hard. He’s a young developmental player. He’s had a track record of success on the college level and we, like the Rams, have a lot of defensive linemen, so sometimes it’s hard for young guys to get opportunities.

“He’s certainly in the mix; he’s working hard in practice as one of our practice squad guys.’’

INJURY REPORT

Cornerback Brandon McGee, who took 26 defensive snaps and 10 more on special teams last week in the Rams’ 19-17 win in Tampa Bay, has been ruled out of Sunday’s game with the Dallas Cowboys with a foot injury.

Also out are center Barrett Jones (back) and cornerback Trumaine Johnson (knee). Both are dealing with long-term injuries.

Quarterback Shaun Hill (thigh), receiver Tavon Austin (knee) and tight end Cory Harkey (knee) were limited in practice Friday and are listed at questionable. Guard Rodger Saffold (illness) and center Scott Wells (not injury related) practiced fully Friday and are probable.

The Cowboys have ruled out linebacker and second-leading tackler Jason Durant (groin) and have top tackler Rolando McClain (groin) listed as doubtful. Defensive tackle Davon Coleman and defensive end Anthony Spencer are out.

Listed as questionable for Dallas are receiver Dez Bryant (shoulder), defensive end Lavar Edwards (knee), tight end Gavin Escobar (knee) and running back Joseph Randle (concussion). Bryant, who was limited in practice Friday, left last week’s game in the first quarter but came back to finish with 10 catches for 103 yards and a touchdown.

Quarterback Tony Romo (back) joins defensive tackle Ken Bishop (illness), guard Zack Martin (foot) and ex-Rams defensive end George Selvie (shoulder) as probables. Romo, who has had back surgery at the end of the past two seasons, practiced fully Thursday and Friday.

RAM-BLINGS

Defensive end Eugene Sims and linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar were hit with stiff fines of $16,537 for offenses last weekend in Tampa Bay. Sims was fined for a horse-collar tackle while Dunbar took the hit for a roughing-the-passer call on Josh McCown.

It appeared that Dunbar’s hit was to the shoulder, not the head, of McCown.

• The Rams made a practice-squad move, adding cornerback Jemea Thomas and releasing receiver and kick returner Justin Veltung.

The 5-foot-10, 195-pound Thomas played at Georgia Tech and was a sixth-round draft choice of the New England Patriots in May. He was cut and claimed off waivers by Dallas in late August and cut from the Cowboys’ practice squad Tuesday.

Veltung was claimed off waivers from Seattle in training camp last year and spent most of 2013 on the practice squad. He was activated late last season when Austin went down with an ankle sprain and performed well on punt returns, averaging 8.7 yards on seven returns.