Two wins...but the best news for the St. Louis Rams might be on the injury report, with super stars getting healthy and guys returning to practice this week. Let's get right into it.
First and foremost, Steven Jackson's groin. Word is that Jackson is no worse for wear after playing, playing hard, in the Rams week 4 win. He'll look to get closer to 100 percent this week. Remember, Jackson's groin injury kept him from making some lateral moves, and as impressive as his game was, he's even more dangerous with a full arsenal of moves.
FS Oshiomogho Atogwe is recovering as well. If he can get close enough to full speed he could be back in his full role against a Detroit team that should not be taken lightly.
More (good) injury news after the jump.
CB Kevin Dockery got the worst of it last week, needing stitches for a gash he suffered stopping Seattle's too-clever-by-half fake field goal. He also injured a hamstring, which will keep him out (again) for a couple weeks.
On the injured defensive tackle front, Gary Gibson has a sore shoulder. He might have to get an MRI, but the team seems fairly optimistic that he'll be squared away for this week. Clifton Ryan is making progress on his migraines, and they're of the opinion that he'll be good to go this week as well. Wait and see on that one. Migraines are one of those ailments that are incredibly tough to get a handle on, leaving a person feeling fine, until they're not.
Donnie Jones will take it easy this week with a mild calf strain. Should be fine though. Not so long ago, an injury to the Rams punter might have meant 50-60-point blowouts.
TEs Billy Bajema and Michael Hoomanawanui will start practicing this week, as well as LB Chris Chamberlain and S Darian Stewart. The Rams special teams played great against a dangerous Seattle return game, but getting Chamberlain back will make them even more effective.
Hoomanawanui was expected to miss anywhere from 4-8 weeks after leaving early in week 1. The Rams have three more game before their bye week. I doubt he'd be back this week, but it would be great to have him on hand against San Diego the week after this one. Of course, big props to Daniel Fells, who has really stepped up this season.
ESPN's Mike Sando talked with Sam Bradford, who notes that he's still learning the playbook and is anxious to get to the point where he knows the Rams offense as well as he did Bob Stoops' offense. Can you imagine how dangerous he'll be when he gets there? Sando aslo points out that Bradford has a 118.1 QB rating on third-and-long. My God this kid is amazing.
How far have the Rams come in two years? Forget the win total, the Rams are no longer the most dysfunctional teamin the NFC West. In fact, they're the only team lacking controversy right now.
More "could they" talk about the Rams and the playoffs.
Finally, Detroit is not keen on repeating last year's loss to the Rams.