Rams injury report: Bartell closer to a return

Playing the New Orleans Saints was enough of a challenge for the St. Louis Rams; doing it without key members of their secondary, most notably top cornerback Ron Bartell, didn't make it any easier. 

Week 14 was so week 14. Now the Rams are getting ready for their next game against Kansas City. Will they have members of the secondary back? Maybe.

ESPN's Brian Stull reports that Ron Bartell's shoulder/arm injury has improved. Remember, he sat out this week because he didn't have enough strength in his arm to play. It's still not clear whether or not Bartell will be ready. CB Justin King is closer, according to Stull. Bartell will practice on a limited basis Wednesday, but is still questionable. 

LG Jacob Bell has a bruised knee, and will be evaluated further. 

For those to be the only injuries, the Rams are pretty lucky. This is that time of year when NFL football teams get tested in their depth charts. Recall, that it was this time last year when the Rams were starting Keith Null at QB behind a revolving cast of characters on the offensive line. Depth matters. GM Billy Devaney and the front office have done a good job of rebuilding the faltering pillars of this franchise, with winning draft picks like Sam Bradford, James Laurinaitis, Chris Long, etc., but he'll have to continue his search for reliable depth at key positions this offseason. As some of the rookies, guys like Jerome Murphy, gain more experience, that will help the Rams with depth too.