A couple of rookies could be back in the mix for the St. Louis Rams this week, but you'll have to wait until Sunday to find out just what kind of role they'll be playing.
Danario Alexander has made a speedy recovery from having his knee scoped a few weeks ago. He's been practicing this week, even getting some work with the first team (and buying an iPad). However, he remains a game-time decision for Spagnuolo, who said that Alexander will play "if it works scheme wise and numbers wise."
Bill Coats at the Post-Dispatch isn't buying it, noting that it looks like Alexander will not play this weekend.
So will Danario Alexander play this weekend or not? Too much subterfuge to say for sure. Bradford and the Rams offense could use what Alexander can bring to the table, but you can bet coaches and trainers want to take it easy with a knee that's had more surgeries than any Rams receiver has touchdowns this year (Amendola leads the team with 3).
Another clue as to Spagnuolo's intentions with Alexander might be the status of Mardy Gilyard. Spags talked him up after practice today, where the fourth round pick was, again, working with the starters. Gilyard played against SF last week, but was not targeted. According to the post at the Rams site, the coaches have been pleased with his work since the bye week. Here's Spags:
I think he has stepped it up. It's all part of the learning process for a rookie, learning how to be a pro.
So, does that mean Gilyard figures into the plans this week? I guess we'll find out. The Rams could certainly use some contributions from their 4th round pick. Stay tuned.