St. Louis Rams injury update: Well-healed

The bye week came at just the right time for the St. Louis Rams, giving them a much needed week to rest and heal their wounds before picking up the second half of a surprising season. 

The best news injury news for the team has to be the speedy recovery of WR Danario Alexander. He had his knee scoped prior to the Carolina game, the fifth surgical procedure on his left knee, and was expected to be out up to 4 weeks. He expects to begin running this week, though it's unlikely he would be ready to go in time for the 49ers game this week. 

Danario is the Rams' best weapon to stretch the field, something they're really lacking in their passing game right now. The sooner he gets back in the mix, the sooner the Rams can expand the playbook again. 

The Rams are also counting on James Laurinaitis to be in action this week, having recovered from a sore knee suffered against Carolina. He did not miss any time in that game. 

Ron Bartell is the other Rams player to keep an eye on this week. He's still dealing with a shoulder and thigh injury that limited his playing time over the last two games. He will be needed on the field against a 49ers team with Michael Crabtree and Vernon Davis. 

Then, of course, there's Steven Jackson, who you can count on to play this week. But he has had some extra time to let his broken finger mend.