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BY BILL COATS
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
10/01/2009
It was feared that the shoulder injury Rams quarterback Marc Bulger suffered Sunday would end his season. Now, it's possible he might not even miss a game.
Possible, but far from probable.
"It'd have to be a major improvement," Bulger said Wednesday. "It's tough to judge. It's easier with a bone; you know exactly how long it's going to be to heal again. With muscles, it's a little bit more difficult."
Bulger's injury has been diagnosed as a bruised rotator cuff. He didn't practice Wednesday but might try to toss a few passes today.
"When he comes in in the morning, we'll decide whether he should try to throw," coach Steve Spagnuolo said.
X-rays of Bulger's right (throwing) shoulder were sent to Dr. James Andrews, the noted sports orthopedist, for a second opinion. "It's not a reflection on anyone, just another set of eyes," Bulger said.
Mobility of the joint, not discomfort, is the main issue, he explained.
"I get to a certain point when I'm getting my arm back to throw, and it doesn't allow me to go back any further," Bulger said. "It's not just a pain thing or I'd be in there."
While Bulger heals, Kyle Boller is working with the first-team offense as the Rams prepare for Sunday's game in San Francisco. Boller, who entered early in the second quarter Sunday and threw two touchdown passes in the 36-17 loss to Green Bay, is operating in limbo until Bulger's status is determined.
"I haven't been told that I'm the guy," Boller said. "I'm just going to go out there and take the reps (at practice). If Marc can't go, then I'll make sure that I'm ready to step in and take over."
Still, Bulger concedes nothing.
"I'm trying to get healthy as quick as I can," he said. "I'm going to do what's smart for the team. But if I can practice this week, then definitely I'll go."
INJURY UPDATES
Safety James Butler and tackle Jason Smith, each with a knee injury, also sat out practice. Spagnuolo has ruled out having Butler play Sunday. Smith did some individual work on the side; he is questionable for the game.
Cornerback Ron Bartell (thigh) and tackle Alex Barron (thigh) were limited.
ROSTER CHANGES
The 53-man roster was filled Wednesday with the promotions of linebacker Dominic Douglas and defensive tackle Leger Douzable from the practice squad. Wide receiver Nate Jones had been moved up earlier.
Those spots were created Tuesday when linebacker David Vobora received a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances, wide receiver Laurent Robinson (leg) was placed on injured reserve, and defensive tackle Hollis Thomas was released.
Four players have been added to the eight-man practice squad: linebackers Jay Moore and Justin Roland, defensive tackle Marlon Favorite, and wideout Sean Walker, who was with the club in training camp.
REPLACING VOBORA
Vobora's ban left an opening on the first team at strongside linebacker. Paris Lenon and Larry Grant are vying for the job.
Vobora Grant and Chris Draft were the main contenders at the spot in the preseason. Grant was forced out of the competition when he suffered a knee injury Aug. 31. Draft was released.
"It's always frustrating when you get any kind of injury. But you've got to continue to work in the training room and listen to what those guys tell you to do," Grant said. "I did that since the day I got hurt, and my knee is back to a hundred percent."
RAM-BLINGS
With Barron hobbled, John Greco took most of the first-team snaps at left tackle. ... This week's captains are tight end Randy McMichael (offense), end Leonard Little (defense) and tight end Billy Bajema (special teams).
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
10/01/2009
It was feared that the shoulder injury Rams quarterback Marc Bulger suffered Sunday would end his season. Now, it's possible he might not even miss a game.
Possible, but far from probable.
"It'd have to be a major improvement," Bulger said Wednesday. "It's tough to judge. It's easier with a bone; you know exactly how long it's going to be to heal again. With muscles, it's a little bit more difficult."
Bulger's injury has been diagnosed as a bruised rotator cuff. He didn't practice Wednesday but might try to toss a few passes today.
"When he comes in in the morning, we'll decide whether he should try to throw," coach Steve Spagnuolo said.
X-rays of Bulger's right (throwing) shoulder were sent to Dr. James Andrews, the noted sports orthopedist, for a second opinion. "It's not a reflection on anyone, just another set of eyes," Bulger said.
Mobility of the joint, not discomfort, is the main issue, he explained.
"I get to a certain point when I'm getting my arm back to throw, and it doesn't allow me to go back any further," Bulger said. "It's not just a pain thing or I'd be in there."
While Bulger heals, Kyle Boller is working with the first-team offense as the Rams prepare for Sunday's game in San Francisco. Boller, who entered early in the second quarter Sunday and threw two touchdown passes in the 36-17 loss to Green Bay, is operating in limbo until Bulger's status is determined.
"I haven't been told that I'm the guy," Boller said. "I'm just going to go out there and take the reps (at practice). If Marc can't go, then I'll make sure that I'm ready to step in and take over."
Still, Bulger concedes nothing.
"I'm trying to get healthy as quick as I can," he said. "I'm going to do what's smart for the team. But if I can practice this week, then definitely I'll go."
INJURY UPDATES
Safety James Butler and tackle Jason Smith, each with a knee injury, also sat out practice. Spagnuolo has ruled out having Butler play Sunday. Smith did some individual work on the side; he is questionable for the game.
Cornerback Ron Bartell (thigh) and tackle Alex Barron (thigh) were limited.
ROSTER CHANGES
The 53-man roster was filled Wednesday with the promotions of linebacker Dominic Douglas and defensive tackle Leger Douzable from the practice squad. Wide receiver Nate Jones had been moved up earlier.
Those spots were created Tuesday when linebacker David Vobora received a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances, wide receiver Laurent Robinson (leg) was placed on injured reserve, and defensive tackle Hollis Thomas was released.
Four players have been added to the eight-man practice squad: linebackers Jay Moore and Justin Roland, defensive tackle Marlon Favorite, and wideout Sean Walker, who was with the club in training camp.
REPLACING VOBORA
Vobora's ban left an opening on the first team at strongside linebacker. Paris Lenon and Larry Grant are vying for the job.
Vobora Grant and Chris Draft were the main contenders at the spot in the preseason. Grant was forced out of the competition when he suffered a knee injury Aug. 31. Draft was released.
"It's always frustrating when you get any kind of injury. But you've got to continue to work in the training room and listen to what those guys tell you to do," Grant said. "I did that since the day I got hurt, and my knee is back to a hundred percent."
RAM-BLINGS
With Barron hobbled, John Greco took most of the first-team snaps at left tackle. ... This week's captains are tight end Randy McMichael (offense), end Leonard Little (defense) and tight end Billy Bajema (special teams).
RAMMER
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